Michelle's Finished Projects

Twist and Shout

2008-04-18T14:41:00.001-07:00

The pattern is called Twist and Shout and is made from the toe up, but don't worry if toe-ups are not your style. The pattern can easily be adapted to be worked from the top down. The pattern includes the written stitch pattern as well as a chart. They're made on US 3/3.25, so they knit up pretty quickly.

If you are so inclined, give Twist and Shout a try. I think you'll like them.

To purchase Twist and Shout, click on the button.

Gentlman's Fancy Socks

2007-04-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Gentlman's Fancy Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks

Yarn: Reynold's Swizzle (75% Merino Superwash, 25% Nylon; 100g; approximately 416 yds) 1 skein, color 4042

Needles: US 1/2.25mm double points

Guage: 9 sts = 1 inch

Info: I modified the pattern to work from the toe up (surprise, surprise). I did try a few different techniqes with these though. The first thing that I did differently was I used the Turkish Cast-On when I cast of for the toe. It felt a bit weird working with the needles for the first couple of rounds, but I think it was worth it. The next thing that I did differently was the heel. I had been wanting to try the traditional heel on the toe-ups for a while and I had finally decided that these socks would be the ones that I would take the plunge. The final thing that I did was I used the Sewn Bind-Off. The result....these are by far the most comfortable socks that I have made to date.

Sassy Socks

2007-04-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Cascade Yarns - Sassy Stripes (75% new wool, 25% nylon; 50g; 200m) 2 skeins, color 769

Needles: US 1/2.25mm double points

Gauge: 9 sts = 1 inch

Info: This was the first time that I had ever used self striping yarn. The knit was enjoyable especially since both of the socks are virtually identical. I did nothing to aid in that process. All I did was start knitting from the middle of each of the skeins for each of the socks, the yarn did the rest. The only complaint that I have about the yarn is that though both of the skeins are from the same dye lot, the colors are off a bit, though just ever so slightly. One of the skeins is just a tad lighter in color than the other.

Runners Companion

2007-03-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Cascades Fixation (98.3 % Cotton, 1.7% Elastic; 100yds/50g skein)

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm double points

Info: I designed the Runners Companion out of necessity. I couldn't find an armband that was both comfortable and functional while I was on my runs. This is truly a quick knit and one skein of yarn can produce two in size small. In all the years (four) that I have been knitting, this was the first time that Hubby has ever asked me to knit something for him.

Click Here for the free pattern.

Red Sweater KAL

2007-02-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Pattern: My own

Yarn: Peruvian Collection - Sierra Aran (80% highland wool, 20% alpaca; 50g/83m/91yds) 10 skeins, color #788

Needles: US 7/4.5mm

Gauge: 18 sts & 24 rows = 4 inches

Info: After realizing that I don't have very many sweaters knit for myself, I designed this one to be something that is casual enough to wear while running errands and dressy enough to wear while going out for drinks with friends. Knit from the top down with some shaping at the waist, I think this one is a keeper.

K's Socks

2007-01-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Basic Toe Up Sock

Yarn: Lang Yarns JaWoll Sport Jacquard (75% new wool, 18% nylon, 7% acrylic; 45g/ 135m + 5 g reinforcement) color 152, 1 skein

Needles: US2/2.75mm double points

Gauge: 28 sts = 4 inches

Info: I made these socks for my younger son, K. They are basic socks. The only complaint I have is that when I was knitting one of the socks, there were two knots in the yarn within one yard of each other. Other than that, it doesn't get much easier than this.

Yarn Over Cable Socks

2007-01-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Yarn Over Cable from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM (100% merino wool; 50 g/175 yds/ 160 m) dye code #319, 2 skeins

Needles: US 3/3mm double points

Gauge: 28 sts = 4 inches

Info: There were two firsts in this pair of socks for me. One being this is the first pattern that I knit from Sensational Knitted Socks, the second being this was the first time I used KPPPM to make socks for myself. Both are definite do overs. I love love love the socks! I worked the socks from the toe up (surprise surprise) with a short row toe and heel.

Jaywalkers

2006-12-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Jaywalkers by Grumperina. Pattern found in Magknits.

Yarn: Sockatta by Plymouth Yarns (45% cotton, 40% superwash wool, 15% nylon; 414 yds/100 g) color #5; 1 skein

Gauge: 8 sts = 1 inch

Needles: US 1/2.25 double points

Info: This pattern is a wonderful pattern, easy to memorize. I modified the pattern a bit to work it from the toe up. I used the figure eight toe cast on for these, but I think the next pair of socks I make I will go back to the short row toe, it just seems to feel more comfortable on my foot. Also, I am not convinced about the yarn, I don't know if it is because I knit it just a bit tighter than suggested or if it is the yarn itself. I think I'll know after a little more wear.

Ankle Socks

2006-12-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Basic toe up sock.

Yarn: Lang Yarns JaWoll Sport Jacquard (75% new wool, 18% nylon, 7% acrylic) 50 g, 150 m, color 120; 2 skeins

Needles: US 1/2.25mm double points

gauge: 8.5 sts & 12.25 rows = 1 inch

Info: I literally cranked these out. They started out as my travel project, then were my only project as I needed to get them done. When my only project, I actually finished one of the socks in four days. Fifteen days after the initial cast on, they were done. This was the first time that I have used the figure eight cast on for toe ups. Initially it was awkward and hard, but I think that this is my new way to go. I also used the decrease bind off method for the first time as well. It is so much more flexible than the way I usually bind off.

Wire Menorah/Votive Sleeves

2006-12-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Wire Menorah/Votive Sleeves by Annie Modesitt in Handknit Holidays

Materials: 28 gauge wire, approximately 200-300 size 6 beads per votive sleeve

Needles: US 8/5mm

Info: These were a relatively quick knit. I was able to finish one votive in less than two hours including the time it took to string the beads. I made sixteen of the votive sleeves. I like them so much that I am going to keep a few around the house. The others are going to be gifts for my son's teachers.

Uncle's Socks

2006-11-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Basic Short Row Toe Up Socks

Yarn: Lang Yarns, JaWoll Jacquard Superwash (75% new wool, 18% nylon, 7% acrylic; 45 g/190 m, +5g reinforcement) 2 skeins, color 154

Needles: US 0/2mm double points

Guage: 20 sts & 28 rows = 2 inches in stockinette working in the round

Info: These were my take along project. I worked on them in the car, while in line, etc., so I only got to work on them for about ten minutes or less at a time. As a result, it took me almost three months to complete them. I chose this color because they are going to be a gift for my uncle and I thought that these were pretty masculine colors.

Icarus Shawl

2006-08-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Icarus Shawl by Miriam Felton found in Interweave Knits, Summer 2006

Yarn: Knit One, Crochet Two Douceur et Soie (70% Baby Mohair, 30% Silk; 25 grams/225 yards) 4 skeins, color 8644

Needles: US 2/3mm

Info: Even though I used a different yarn and dropped down a needle size, the finished product measures about the same as intended from the pattern. It took me a while to get into the groove of knitting this, but once I did, it really seemed to fly. The only thing left for me to figure out is where am I going to wear this to and with what.

Starsky

2006-08-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Starsky by Jordana Paige from Knitty

Size: Medium

Yarn: KnitPicks Sierra [70% wool, 30% superfine alpaca; 110 yds/100m per 100g skein]; color: Mist; 11 skeins

Needles: US 10/6mm

Gauge: 16 sts & 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Info: Though this was not my first attempt at cables, it was my first attempt at a complex cable pattern. I followed the pattern exactly for my size. The only problem that I had was seaming the arms to the body of the sweater. At the top of the shoulder, it kept "buckling" as a result I had to redo the setting in of the sleeve several times. Other than that, this is a definite do over.

Grandma's Socks

2006-08-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Basic Toe Up Sock with 2 x 2 ribbing on the leg

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM (100% Merino Wool; 50 g, 175 yds/160 m)

Needles: US 3/3mm double points

Info: These are going to be a gift for my grandmother. While I was knitting the leg, I forgot to add calf shaping, but soon realized that my grandmother has rather small calves. Even though the top of the leg is a little binding on my leg, it will be perfect for her.

Hedera

2006-07-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Hedera from Spring 2006 Knitty

Yarn: Elann's Peruvian Collection Baby Cashmere (60% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool, 10% cashmere) 2 skeins + a bit more of a 3rd, color 1960

Needles: US3/3.25mm double points

Info: I made these from the toe up. It took a while for me to get into the groove of the pattern, but once I did, they flew by. I did goof on one of the socks though. I didn't knit into the right portion of the stitch after the yarn overs. The second sock looks perfect though. Or at least as perfect as I could make it.

Not the Mata Hari's

2006-06-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Found Here

Yarn: Lang Yarns JaWoll superwash (75% new wool, 18% nylon, 7% acrylic; 45g/190m +5g reinforcement yarn) 2 skeins color #10

Needles: US 0/2mm double points

Gauge: 20 sts & 14 rows = 2 inches in stockinette working in the round

Info: These were knit from the toe up. The pattern is a 30 st repeat and I had 80 sts. For the top of the foot I worked the chart once and then when after I turned the heel, I worked the pattern twice and added ribbing between the pattern repeats. Initially I thought that I was knitting the pair of socks that were shown along with this chart (shows you my attention to detail). They took a while for me to finish and that is because this was the first time I used US 0's. I do have to say they are soooooo comfy though.

Toe Socks

2006-06-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Cascade Fixation (98.3% cotton, 1.7% elastic) 1 skein #3077 pink lemonade & 1 skein #2406 lavender

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm double pointed needles (set of 5)

Info: These toe socks were made from the toe up and used short rows for the heel. Ideally I wanted to make the socks a lot longer, but I ran out of the pink. The next pair I make will be a lot longer.

Click here for the free pattern.

Wash Clothes

2006-05-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Patterns: From bottom to top:

Chinese Waves by Margaret Radcliffe. Pattern found at the Dishcloth Boutique.
Broken Rib
Diagonal Lines
Basket Weave
Horseshoe Pattern by Linda Smith. Pattern found at the Dishcloth Boutique.
Triangles/Pyramids
Little Checkers
Basket Weave

Size: Approximately 8" - 10" square

Yarn: Peaches & Cream 1 ball for each wash cloth. From bottom to top:

Chinese Waves: I dyed this one myselfBroken Rib: Pink Lilacs #159
Diagonal Lines: Faded Denim #181
Basket Weave: Lemon Lime #186
Horseshoe: Winterberry #170
Triangles/Pyramids: Daisy Ombre #165
Little Checkers: Peppermint #191
Basket Weave: Sea Mist #201

Needles: US 7/4.5mm

Info: This is a great quick and easy project that gives you some instant gratification. Each cloth knitted up in a matter of hours. These are a great way to try out new stitch patterns without the commitment of larger projects.

Chinese Waves.

The left is the right side of the cloth, the right is the wrong side. They both look good to me.

Triangles/Pyramids

Horseshoe Pattern

Little Checkers

Diagonal Lines

Shrug

2006-05-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Pattern: I based this on the Mia Shrug. Stitch pattern is the Quill Eyelet from Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge

Yarn: Lana Grossa Bingo (100% Virgin Wool, 50g, 80m) color #87, 3 skeins

Size: Small

Needles: US 9/5.5 mm

gauge: 16 sts & 20 rows = 4"

Info: I used the basic template from the Mia Shrug and adapted them for the stitch pattern I chose and added 3x3 ribbing at the bottom of the arms. This turned out to be a very quick knit.

Photos by Michelle. Modeled by Danielle (Michelle's Sister)

Pomatomus

2006-05-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Pomatomus by Cookie A. for Knitty.

Yarn: Lang Yarns JaWoll Sport Superwash (75% new wool, 18% nylon, 7% acrylic; 45g/135m +5g of reinforcement) color 53, 2 skeins but you would definitely need more as I fudged it a lot.

Needles: US 1/2.25mm double pointed needles set of 5.

Info: I adjusted the pattern to only one repeat over the ankle/leg portion of the sock because I was afraid of running out of yarn. I did run out of yarn and I ended up using the reinforcement yarn that came with the skein. But that was only for the toe portion of one of the socks. I wear a US size 9 (10 running shoes) so if you have a smaller foot you might get away with it.

This was the first time I used the Twisted German Cast On for these socks. The best cast on that I have tried for socks so far.

It took a while for me to get into the groove of the pattern, but once I did it was pretty smooth sailing and needed to look at the actual chart very little.

Top Down Ruffled Edge Sweater

2006-04-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Pattern: My own, thought I used Barbara Walkers book Knitting from the Top as a guide, and Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge for the ruffles.

Size: children's 18-24 months

Yarn: Sirdar Country Style Double Knitting (45% Acrylic, 40% Nylon, 15% Wool; 100g/348yds) 1 skein, color 512.

Needles: US 5/3.75mm circulars.

Info: This is the first sweater that I made from the top down. I enjoyed the technique as there was minimal finishing involved. I made the sleeves at the same time on two circular needles, something that I am not particularly fond of, but may possibly do again in the future if need be. I also tried the magic loop method for the ruffled edges of the sleeve. That is something that I would not mind doing again. Though double points are still my first choice.

Later 'Gator & Duck Mitts

2006-04-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Later 'Gator Mitts by Laura Grutzeck from Stitch n' Bitch Nation. Duck mitts were a variation of this. Gators are child's size 2-6; Ducks are child's size 8-12.

Yarn: Various Worsted Weights (scraps that I had from previous projects)

Needles: US 5/3.75mm & US7/4.5mm double pointed needles

Other Materials: 2 pairs of wiggly eyes for each set of mitts. Glue Gun

Info: A great stashbusting project and a quick knit. I finished the gator mitts in about three hours and the duck mitts in about four. The pattern called for sew on wiggly eyes, but I couldn't find any, so I used a glue gun to attach the eyes. I would not recommend this for young children. If you want to forgo the glued on eyes you could also just embroider the eyes on.

Broken Rib Ankle Socks

2006-04-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

Pattern: I used Wendy's toe up template for the how to and I incorporated a broken rib pattern for the socks.

Yarn: Cascade Fixation (98.3% cotton, 1.7% elastic; 50g; 186yds) 1 skein + a smidge more (for about 3")

Needles: US 4/3.5mm double point needles

Info: I really enjoyed knitting the socks from the toe up. Whenever possible, I will probably use this method.

Odessa

2006-04-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Odessa by Grumperina for MagKnits

Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK (57% extra fine merino, 33% microfibre, 10% cashmere, 142 yd / 130m per 50g ball)

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm circular needle, US 6/4 mm circular needle, US 6/4 mm double-pointed needles

Other Materials: Size 6 beads (about 120)

Info: I decided to make this hat for two reasons. The first was that I had some of the Rowan Cashsoft left from another project. The second was because I wanted to give knitting with beads a try. This was an easy project and it knit up in no time at all. I think it only took about 4 - 6 hours total. I still have some more Cashsoft left and am considering making another one. I have also received a lot of compliments everytime I wear this.

Groovy Purse

2006-03-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Groovy (nylon cording)

Needles: US 10/6mm circulars

Other materials: 1 set of circular pursce handles in black

Info: I originally purchased this yarn for something else, but after I was messing around with various stitch patterns, it was begging me to become a purse. It is a pretty quick knit and I actually like how the color pools.

Here is a close up of the stitch pattern:

Rib & Cable Socks

2006-03-12T22:43:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Rib and Cable Socks by Nancy Bush from the Fall '05 Interweave Knits

Yarn: Silja (80% superwash wool, 20% nylon), 2 skeins

Needles: US 1/2.25mm double points

Info: I followed the pattern exactly. Though the yarn called for 3-3.5mm, I did not like the way the yarn was so loose and airy with the larger needles. The needles I used made a much more dense fabric, though not as stretchy as I initially thought that it would be. If I were to use this yarn again I would use US 2/2.75mm. I didn't have any and I got the correct gauge using the US 1/2.25mm. I have to say that I did enjoy making these.

Short Row Sweater

2006-01-30T21:48:00.000-08:00

Short Row Sweater

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Lion Brand Micro Spun, Patons Brilliant, Lion Brand Fun Fur

Needles: US 11

Info: A friend of my mother has a sweater that is made using this technique. My mom (seen here) brought the sweater home and asked if I could make her one because she liked it so much, and her friend couldn't find another one. When I first saw the sweater I was very intrigued and was kinda dumbfounded because I wasn't sure exactly how they did it. After a while I realized that the sweater was done completely with short rows. The sweater is made in one piece, the arms are knit in the round and have no "seams" as there is no right side up or down. Because the body of the sweater is round you can also have a "hood"

2 x 2 Ribbed Hat

2006-01-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

2 X 2 Ribbed Hat

Pattern: None

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease, double stranded

Needles: US 11/8mm circulars & double point

Info: This was just one of those quick knits. I had done a bunch of holiday knitting and I needed to work on something that would give me instant gratification.

Cropped Jacket

2006-01-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Pattern: from Vogue Knitting Holiday 2005 - Cropped Jacket
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas - Blue Sky Bulky (#1004, Polar Bear; 15 hanks)
Needles: US 19/15mm knitting needles
US P/15 /11/5 crochet hook
Size: Medium

Info: I absolutely love this jacket. It is sooooo warm and I actually get a lot of compliments when I wear it. I had fun working the cable and bobble pattern.

Bamboo Purse

2006-01-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Bamboo Purse Pattern: My Own

Yarn: South West Trading Company’s Bamboo (less than 1 skein, black)

Needles: US 6/4.0mm knitting needles & US6/4.omm dpns

Other Notions: Flower Beads, Zipper, Fabric & Interfacing (for lining)

Info: I hate to waste, so I decided to make this with the leftover yarn from the bamboo tank. This has a picot edge on the flap, an I-Cord strap, and is lined and zippered.

Bamboo Top

2006-01-29T11:42:00.000-08:00

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: South West Trading Company – Bamboo (3 skeins, black)

Needles: US 6/4mm 29” circular needles US 6/4mm dpn

Info: There is a cross cable pattern right below the bust line that goes all the way around, unfortunately the color of the yarn doesn't show very well in the photo.

Winnie the Pooh & Friends Blanket

2006-01-29T11:29:00.000-08:00

Winnie the Pooh & Friends Blanket, by Leisure Arts Pattern: Pooh Cuddle & Snooze Sets

Yarn: Various Worsted Weight Yarn

Needles: US 8/5mm & US 10/6mm

Finished Size: Approximately 48" x 52"

Info: This was my first attempt at intarsia work. My son insisted that I make it for him (he wouldn't let me leave the store without the pattern). I am glad I did, he loves it.