New Year's Resolution MKAL with prizes

Let's knit our first shawl of the year together! How is that for a new year's resolution?

Come join the fun in Ravelry and my forum!

The MKAL will start on January's 3rd and will be completed on January's 31st. Prizes will be awaiting 3 lucky participants, and will be announced in due time.
The clues will be released as follows:

Clue 1: 3rd of January
Clue 2: 8th of January
Clue 3: 15th of January

The shawl will be in fingering weight, knitted with 4mm long circular needles and gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rows per 4 inches (10cm) of stockinette. It will have lace details and it's difficulty level is between advanced beginner and intermediate. 

The pattern is adaptable to other weights however you will have to do the math (with full support of course)!

After the MKAL is complete the clues will be all gathered together in one PDF file and it will be available for download for $6. Everyone who has participated will receive a free copy of this version.

Hope to see you all there and start our year together in the best possible way: knitting a shawl with great company!

League of Legends inspired Poro Hat - Free Pattern

**A CAL will take place in my forum, join to get the chance of winning a pattern of your choice.**

What is a poro?

"Born out of love, blinded by glee

Innocent, pure, magic and free,

Faithful, trusting; often naïve,

soft, furry; their hearts hold a key."

It's the cutest creature that roams the Howling Abyss map of League of Legends and they are equal parts of truth, valor and innocence. Being a gamer and especially a League of Legends fan, I fell in love with these fluffy little creatures on sight!

In case you are not familiar with them you can find a bit info in LoL wikia.

I was home knitting on the sofa the other day and my boyfriend Daniel was playing LoL. I wanted to join but Christmas gift-making comes first. And then it hit me. I should combine my love of crafts with my love for LoL, and what is a better start than a Poro Hat???

PRINTER FRIENDLY PDF 


Hook it on Ravelry

You will need:

50-120 gr super bulky yarn in white, ecru or very light blue color (I used Drops Eskimo)

10 gr super bulky yarn in brown for the horns

Scraps of DK / worsted weight yarn for the eyes and the tongue

6 mm hook

3-4 mm hook for eyes/tongue

Scraps of yarn for braids

Scissors

Tapestry needle 

Level: easy

Sizes: toddler, (child, adult)

Abbreviations (US)

Ch - chain

Sc - single crochet

Dc - double crochet

Sl st- slip stitch

scd - single crochet decrease

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Begin hat for all sizes:

Make a magic ring, ch2 and make  10 dc in the loop, sl stitch to the top of the first stitch, ch 2. 

Row 1:  2 dc in each stitch, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2. (20 dc)
Row 2:  *2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in the next stitch* repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st,

ch 2. (30 dc)
Row 3:  *2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in the next 2 stitches* repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st,

ch 2. (40 dc)
Row 4:  *2 dc in the first st, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches* repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st,

ch 2. (50 dc)

Child only: 

Row 5: * 2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in the next 9 stitches* repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st (55 dc).

Adult only:

Row 5:  2 DC in the first st, 1 DC in the next 4 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 2 (60 DC).  

All sizes finish off hat by:  1 dc in each st around, sl st to the top of the first stitch for 6 (6, 7) rows.

Ear flaps:

Row 1: sc in the next 10 (12, 12) stitches, ch 1 and turn.
Row 2: scd in the first 2 stitches, 1 SC in the next 6 (8, 8) stitches, scd in the last two stitches, ch 1 and turn.
Row 3: sc across the 8 (10, 10) stitches, ch 1 and turn.
Row 4: scd in the first 2 stitches, 1 sc in the next 4 (6,6) stitches, scd in the last two stitches, ch 1 turn.
Row 5: sc across the 6 (8, 8) stitches, ch 1 and turn.
Row 6: scd in the first 2 stitches, 1 sc in the next 2 (4, 4) stitches, scd in the last two stitches, ch 1 turn.
Row 7: sc across the 4 (6,6) stitches, ch 1 and turn.

Toddler:
Row 8: make two scd stitches, ch 1 turn.
Row 9: make one scd and tie off and weave in the end. 

Child and Adult:

Row 8:  scd in the first 2 sts, 1 sc in the next 2 sts, scd in the last two sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 9:  sc across the 4 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 10: make 2 scd, ch 1 and turn.
Row 11: scd, tie off and weave in the end.  

Count 18 (22, 26) stitches across the front and start the second ear flap.

Finish the hat by sc across the whole bottom of the hat, starting at the tip of the earflap. 

Cut yarn of your color choice to make braids for the earflaps. I use 6 white and 3 brown strands for each braid. If you don’t how to do this youtube has a lot tutorials! 

Horns:

Make a Magic Ring, chain 1 and make 4 Sc inside the ring. Continue sc in rounds without joining. 
Row 1: sc in each stitch around (4 SC)
Row 2: *2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next stitch* repeat till end of row (6 SC)

Row 3: sc in each stitch around (6 SC)
Row 4: *2 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next stitches*, repeat around (8 SC)

Row 5: sc in each stitch around (8 SC)
Row 8: *2 sc in first stitch, 3 sc in next stitches*, repeat around (10 SC)

Row 7: sc in each stitch around (10 SC)
Row 8: *2 sc in first stitch, 4 sc in next stitches*, repeat around (12 SC)

Row 9: sc in each stitch around (12 SC)

Eyes & Tongue:

Chain 6

Row 1: 1 sc in 4 stitches, 3 sc in 5^th stitch, place marker, 3 sc more in 5^th stitch, continue working the back loops of the chain by 1 sc in each 4 remaining stitches, ch 1 and turn (14 stitches)

Row 2: sc until 1 stitch before marker, 2 sc at stitch before marker, 2 sc at stitch after marker, sc until end of the row (16 stitches).

Continue working like the second row until you have an appropriate size for your hat. Then sl st all around to even the edges, break yarn and weave in ends.

For the white part of the eyes I just took white yarn and sew it with a tapestry needle.

Assemble your hat and have fun wearing it.

Poros in some cases have mustaches so feel free to add one if you like!

Share your projects at Instagram #porohat #garterstitchwitch (@Olymp1a) and at my Ravelry forum!

Any items made with this pattern can be sold but I would kindly ask for a link back to the blog or/and my ravelry profile. Also, if you want to share the pattern please do so by providing a link to my blog or Ravelry profile, whether this is Facebook, Pinterest or your blog and DO NOT copy the pattern.

Winter Affair Shawl MKAL: Fourth Clue

Hey everyone!

Before telling you what you need to do to finish your shawl I would like to inform you that there are 3 new threads in my forum that might interest you.

1. Prizes announcement & requirements to enter the prize drawing
2. FO photos thread
3. Future KAL/MKAL earburn list (register here if you want me to notify you directly for future KALs and MKALs I organize).


No without further due, the last thing you need to do to finish the shawl is to go back to the main pattern.

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Depending on the weight you use you will need to knit 12 -24 rows. On the shawls I knit, I only had to knit 12 rows (superbulky yarn and 10mm needles). Since I worked 1.5 main body repeats + 12 rows of mesh (which is equivalent to 0.5 pattern repeat) I can now start over from row 1.


If you are not sure where you left off, then use this formula:

number of stitches on your needles - 37 / 24.

In my example (and anyone else who followed the original pattern) I ended up with 133 stitches after finishing clue 3. So: 133-37=96/24=4
After using the formula you will get an integral number. This means you must continue by starting over the main body pattern at row 1.


 If you don't get an integral number, recalculate again this way:

number of stitches on your needles - 37 / 12

This means you must start at row 12.

For example, a person that did 2 full main body rows plus 12 rows of mesh would end up with 145 stitches after clue 3. So: 145-37=108/12=9 (if they divided with 24 they would get 4.5).

If you don't get an integral number by any of the 2 formulas then you haven't worked by multiples of 12. You can either add or remove a few rows until you have a number of stitches that will work, or add stitches by increasing - which I would not recommend.

After you knit your final pattern rows, knit 2 rows and cast off loosely. Weave in ends, block and enjoy!

Happy knitting and don't forget to share your progress at Instagram #winteraffairshawl (@Olymp1a) and in Garter Stitch Witch Ravelry Group! Have fun!

Winter Affair Shawl MKAL: third clue

Third clue is here. No chart needed for this one.

PRINTER FRIENDLY PDF
Continue your shawl as follows:



Row 1: k3, yo, k1, *k2tog ,yo* repeat until 2 stitches remain before the central "spine", k2, yo, k, yo, k2, *yo, ssk* until 4 stitches remain, k1, yo, k3
Row 2: k3, purl accross, k3
Row 3: k3, yo, k2, *yo, k2tog * repeat until 1 stitches remain before the central "spine", k, yo, k, yo, k1, *ssk,yo* until 5 stitches remain, k2, yo, k3
Row 4: k3, purl accross, k3



Repeat these rows 3 times. Your work's length down the spine should be approximately 56 cm (22 inches)

For those working with very light yarns (lace, fingering) repeat 6 times. 

That's all for today!  Happy knitting and don't forget to share your progress at Instagram #winteraffairshawl (@Olymp1a) and in Garter Stitch Witch Ravelry Group! Have fun!

Stay tuned for clue 4 and prizes announcement on Thursday!

Winter Affair Shawl MKAL: second clue

Hey everyone! Continuing with the pattern for clue 2, today we will finish the first repeat of the main body and add a bit more.


GET THE PDF VERSION HERE








Row 13: k3, yo,k7,k3,k2tog,yo,k2tog,m1,yo,ssk,k3,k8,yo,k, yo, k8,k3,k2tog,yo,k2tog,m1,yo,ssk,k3, k7, yo, k3    

Row 14: k3, p8,k,p11,k,p8,p, p8, k, p11, k, p8, k3     (65 stitches)

Row 15: k3, yo,k8,k2,k2tog,yo,k4,yo,ssk,k2,k9,yo, k, yo, k9,k2,k2tog,yo,k4,yo,ssk,k2, k8, yo, k3

Row 16:  k3,p9,k,p11,k,p9, p, p9, k,p11,k,p9,k3          (69 stitches)

Row 17:  k3,yo,k9,k,k2tog,yo,k,k2tog,yo,ssk,k,yo,ssk,k,k10, yo,k,yo,k10, k,k2tog,yo,k,k2tog,yo,ssk,k,yo,ssk,k, k9, yo, k3

Row 18:  k3,p10,k,p4,(k1,p1)in yo,p5,k,p10, p, p10, k1, p5, (k1,p1)in yo,p4,k, p10, k3      (73 stitches)

Row 19:  k3,yo,k10,k3,yo,ssk,k2,k2tog,yo,k3,k11,yo, k, yo, 
k11, k3, yo,ssk,k2,k2tog,yo,k3, k10, yo, k3

Row 20:  k3,p11,k,p11,k,p11, p, p11, k, p11, k, p11, k3       (77 stitches)

Row 21:  k3,yo,k11,k4,yo,ssk,k2tog,yo,k4,k12,yo, k, yo, k12, k4,yo,ssk,k2tog,yo,k4, k11, yo, k3     

Row 22:  k3,p12,k,p11,k,p12, p, p12, k, p11, k, p12, k3       (81 stitches)

Row 23:  k3,yo,k12, k12,k13,yo, k, yo, k13, k12, k12, yo, k3

Row 24:  k3,p13,k, p11, k, p13, p, p13, k, p11,k, p13, k3    (85 stitches)


Here is where the main body pattern is complete (see the chart below).

To continue with pattern repeats you just go over from row 1, adding lace inserts repeats in between of the borders. Each time you finish a full pattern you can add 2 more lace inserts in each side. This means that the pattern will continue like this:


Row 1: k3, yo,k,*k3,k2tog,yo,k2tog,m1,yo,ssk,k3,* repeat 3 times k2,yo,k, yo, k2,*k3,k2tog,yo,k2tog,m1,yo,ssk,k3,* repeat 3 times k, yo, k3    

Row 2: k3, p2,*k,p11,* repeat 3 times k,p2,p, p2, k, *p11, k,*repeat 3 times p2, k3     

and so on.



For those who work with super bulky weight yarn: After you finish rows 13-24 start over the pattern and knit only half repeat (rows 1-12) and stop there. You should have 109 stitches and the center of your shawl across the spine should measure around 43 cm (17 inches).

For those working with lighter yarns: add repeats of the pattern to grow your shawl in length. How many you will work depends on your yarn and you will have to do some math. 
For the super bulky yarn shawl and having a gauge of 11 stitches x 15 rows to 10x10 cm (4x4 inches) we need a total of 3 repeats to reach 65 cm (25 1/2 inches) length - not counting the set up chart.  Count how many repeats you will need according to your swatch and work as follows:
If you work with lace, light fingering, fingering or sport weight, knit until you have 2 repeats remaining for the next steps. If you knit with worsted, aran or bulky weight then knit until you have 1 repeat remaining.





That's all for today!  Happy knitting and don't forget to share your progress at Instagram #winteraffairshawl (@Olymp1a) and in Garter Stitch Witch Ravelry Group! Have fun!

Winter Affair Shawl MKAL: first clue

First clue is here! This is how you begin your Winter Affair Shawl.


PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION HERE

Abbreviations used:

k = knit
p = purl
yo = yarn over
k2tog = knit two stitches together
ssk =  slip slip knit
m1 = make one: pick up and knit the connecting strand between last stitch and next stitch
(k1,p1) yo =  knit one and purl one in the yarn over of previous row *




Notes:

• This pattern is written for a super bulky yarn, check the Raverly project for suggestions. I knitted this with 10mm needles and the gauge I got was 11 stitches and 14 rows in stockinette per 4 inches (10 cm). Make a swatch to be sure your are close to these numbers as super bulky yarns tend to differ a lot. If you choose to knit the shawl with entirely different yarn weight and needles (for example worsted weight with 5mm needles) you can, you still need to swatch though.
• The main body is worked with edges and inserts. The edges are where you make your increases next to the border and the insert is where you work the lace. For your convenience I have marked with red the lace insert and it will be also in red color letters in the written pattern.
• I would highly recommend using markers while working the main body. You would want them to separate the edges from the lace inserts and the lace inserts as well.
• * When working row 5 of main body you will see we decrease 3 times but only work 2 yarn overs, which brings our count of stitches down by one. For this reason on row 6 (wrong side) we need to  k1 and p1 in the same yarn over in order to create one stitch. This means that as you are purling across the row, when you reach the yarn over you have to put your yarn at the back of the needle, go through the yo knitwise, wrap yarn, pull through, and without dropping the yo you must bring your yarn in the front of the needle, go through the yo purlwise, wrap yarn, pull through, and let the yo drop. You should have 2 stitches on your right needle.

Let's begin.




Set up chart


Cast on  7 stitches and work the following chart. 

If you want to work with a garter tab cast on feel free.  Cast one 3 and work 6 rows in garter. Pick up 3 stitches from the garter ridges and 3 from the cast one edge (9 stitches on your needle) then omit the first two rows of the chart and continue with row 3.

We will work with 3 stitches garter border in each side. These are not included in the charts. However they are included in the written pattern in bold. The middle stitch (the center of the shawl, or "spine" as I call it) is also in bold in the written pattern for your convenience.

Set up 

Row 1: k3, yo,k,yo, k3,
Row 2: k3, p3, k3 
Row 3: k3, yo,k,yo,k,yo,k,yo,k3,  
Row 4: k3, p7, k3,  
Row 5: k3, yo,k3,yo,k,yo,k3,yo, k3, 
Row 6: k3, p11, k3, 
Row 7: k3, yo,k5,yo,k,yo,k5,yo,k3,
Row 8: k3, p15, k3,
Row 9: k3, yo,k7,yo,k,yo,k7,yo,k3,
Row 10: k3, p19, k3,
Row 11: k3, yo,k9,yo,k,yo,k9,yo, k3,
Row 12: k3, p23, k3,
Row 13: k3, yo,k11,yo,k,yo,k11,yo, k3,
Row 14: k3, p27, k3,
Row 15: k3, yo,k13,yo,k,yo,k13,yo, k3,
Row 16: k3, p31, k3


When you finish the set up chart you must have 37 stitches (31 from chart +6 from the garter border).





Main Body Chart







This chart shows the one half of the shawl, up to the middle stitch that is the "spine". To continue on the other side you must only reverse the edges (everything outside the red box). Do not reverse the lace insert. 



Main Body

Row 1: k3, yo,k,k3,k2tog,yo,k2tog,m1,yo,ssk,k3,k2,yo,k, yo, k2,k3,k2tog,yo,k2tog,m1,yo,ssk,k3, k, yo, k3    

Row 2: k3, p2,k,p11,k,p2,p, p2, k, p11, k, p2, k3     (41 stitches)

Row 3: k3, yo,k2,k2,k2tog,yo,k4,yo,ssk,k2,k3,yo, k, yo, k3, k2,k2tog,yo,k4,yo,ssk,k2, k2, yo, k3

Row 4:  k3,p3,k,p11,k,p3, p, p3, k,p11,k,p3,k3        (45 stitches)

Row 5:  k3,yo,k3,k,k2tog,yo,k,k2tog,yo,ssk,k,yo,ssk,k,k4, yo,k,yo,k4, k,k2tog,yo,k,k2tog,yo,ssk,k,yo,ssk,k, k3, yo, k3

Row 6:  k3,p4,k,p4,(k1,p1)in yo,p5,k,p4, p, p4, k1, p5, (k1,p1)in yo,p4, k, p4, k3      (49 stitches)

Row 7:  k3,yo,k4,k3,yo,ssk,k2,k2tog,yo,k3,k5,yo, k, yo, k5, k3,yo,ssk,k2,k2tog,yo,k3, k4, yo, k3

Row 8:  k3,p5,k,p11,k,p5, p, p5, k, p11, k, p5, k3    (53 stitches)

Row 9:  k3,yo,k5,k4,yo,ssk,k2tog,yo,k4,k6,yo, k, yo, k6, k4,yo,ssk,k2tog,yo,k4, k5, yo, k3     

Row 10:  k3,p6,k,p11,k,p6, p, p6, k, p11, k, p6, k3       (57 stitches)

Row 11:  k3,yo,k6, k12,k7,yo, k, yo, k7, k12, k6, yo, k3

Row 12:  k3,p7,k, p11, k, p7, p, p7, k, p11,k, p7, k3       


When you finish the last row you must have 61 stitches in total and your work should be approximately 25 cm / 10 inches long (measure down the "spine"). That's it for the first clue. 


Please share your progress at Instagram #winteraffairshawl (@Olymp1a) and in Garter Stitch Witch Ravelry Group! Have fun!

Winter Affair KAL - Big Lace Shawl Free Pattern

So my mom asked for a big chunky shawl with lace details. She saw one at the Russian TV channel she watches and just wants it. And I could never refuse a request from mom, she almost never asks for anything!

I decided I will release this as a mystery KAL and since it will be a fast knit with super bulky yarn, I will release each clue the following days:



Clue number 1: Friday 11th of December
Clue number 2: Sunday 13th of December
Clue number 3: Tuesday 15th of December
Clue number 4: Thursday 17th of December


 
The pattern will be in super bulky yarn with a gauge of 14 rows and 11 stitches per 4 inches (10cm), however gauge is not that crucial. 

The level of the pattern will be advanced beginner to intermediate, though I believe beginners could also join.

The pattern is written in a way that makes it easily adjustable for other yarn weights.

Lastly, there will be prizes for 3 knitters. The prizes will be yarn and/or knitted accessories and will be announced along with the last clue. In order to be eligible for the prize drawing you will need to favorite the pattern and finish knitting it by the end of December. 


Join the MKAL here: Winter Affair Shawl

First Lace Weight Shawl Completed!

Yay!!! I never thought I would do it!

If a few months back someone told me I would be a knitting lace weight shawl and loving it I would laugh to their face. This was, in my mind, way out of my league. 

The truth is I wanted to knit lace. I do. One of my biggest knitting targets is to be able one day to knit an Orenburg shawl as a gift to my mom and to honor our Russian heritage. 

So, a little baby step was achieved! The shawl I knit is far from Orenburg's pieces of art but still it is a step closer to my target!

I chose a Drops Design pattern and used their Lace yarn in my favorite color (the yarn by the way is a divine blend of Alpaca and Mulberry silk and feels so great knitting it) and finished my shawl in 5 days, Yay again! 

Now I'm just looking forward to my next lace project!

The Loving Hat - Free Pattern

Why "loving"? Well, except for the obvious small hearts and the divine fluffiness, it is a very fast knit which allows you to create quickly a big volume of hats for a charity for example!

I've done countless of these hats without writing a pattern down. I choose this pattern a lot of times when I have pieces of scrap yarn I want to use. I decided to do it now since a friend of mine new to knitting requested it.



 

The Loving Hat

You will need:

8mm and 9mm round needles (16 inch / 40 cm)
9mm double pointed needles
30-75 meters of super bulky yarn (I used Drops Eskimo here)
stitch marker
scissors
pom pom maker (optional) 


Level: Easy


Gauge: 11 stitches and 15 rows: 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Abbreviations (US)
CO - cast on
K - knit
P - purl 
K2tog - knit 2 stiches together
























Sizes: Baby (toddler, child, women's, men's)




CUFF

Cast on 38 (44, 48, 56, 62) stitches with 8mm circular needles.
Place a marker and join in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Row 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Row 1: 4 (4, 6, 8, 8) more times.






BODY
Change to 9mm needles. 
Row 1: Knit all stitches in main color
Row 2: k1 main color, k1 contrasting color, *k3 in main color, k1 in contrasting color* until last 2 stitches, k2 last stitches in main color 
Row 3: Knit all stitches in main color 
Row 4: *k3 in main color, k1 in contrasting color* until the end of the row 

Continue working like these adding as many different colors as you like until piece measures 5 1/2 (6, 6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2) inches from the cast one edge. 





CROWN
Work as follows, changing to double pointed needles when needed.
In this part you can either go on with the contrasting color stitches or switch to main color entirely, this is up to your liking. I have also made hats where at the crown I stop using main color and only use the contrasting one.







Baby: start the crown with Round 5
Toddler: start with Round 3
Child - Women's - Men's: start with Round 1


Row 1: *K6, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: *K5, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: *K4, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 
Row 6: *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 
Row 7: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 
Row 8: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 
Row 9: *K2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 
Break the yarn and thread it through the remaining stitches. Weave in all loose ends and ta-dahhh there is your hat! You can optionally make a pom pom and attach it, or even adorn the hat with a big button in complimentary colors. I usually go for the pom pom!





Hope you enjoy! Share your projects at Instagram #LovingHat



Any items made with this pattern can be sold but I would kindly ask for a link back to the blog or/and my ravelry profile. Feel free to share with me your finished projects at my Ravelry forum! You can also share them at instagram #lovinghat #garterstitchwitch (@Olymp1a). Have fun :)