Stop! Wait! Don’t drop that Ultimate Sweater Machine off at the thrift store. I know learning a new tool can be frustrating, but I’m here for you. I promise.

I’m a professional hand-knitter, but still relatively new to using a knitting machine. Using the Ultimate Sweater machine however, became crucial last fall as more and more companies began commissioning large, yarn-bombed pieces from me. Out of sheer necessity, I buckled down and got on board the USM train. Through trial-and-error, I picked up a few tricks that ultimately made my experience more successful. Now I’m sharing those tips, along with answering consumer questions, in 4 videos on the Bond America website. Give ‘em a look, and put what you’ve learned to work on your own USM.

Oh, and don’t forget, there are also traditional how-to videos and 24-hour help available, too! Learn more here.

xx,

Vickie

Literary Ladybug’s,  Jessica Kline’s and Chai Mama’s supplies ready to go!

Last week we wrapped up (har, har, har) the triangle shawl Stitch.Rock.Knit-along, and at the risk of being redundant I’d just like to say again how much I dig these virtual get-togethers! As a working mom of three kids, getting to hang out with fellow knitters working on a common goal — but on my own time and without leaving home — is a win-win. Hope you think so, too!

For those of you who weren’t able to make this one, here’s a recap of events.

1.1 Anatomy of Bottom-up Triangle Shawl

1.2 Anatomy of a Center-out Triangle Shawl

Next, it was time to cast-on and get knitting! The great thing about a project like this is that you can see it taking shape almost immediately.

My mom, Libby’s first several rows.

A few days in, knitters were jammin’ along. I especially like how some people started experimenting with stripes!

Progress! Clockwise: WIPs by Jessica Kline, Karen Ramisch, EvaporateDone & Susan Rodenhahn

For most of us unless we happen to be on vacation with dedicated knitting time, 7 days isn’t really enough to finish an entire shawl. Some superstar stitchers however, met the challenge! The last few days of the Stitch.Rock.Knit-along were spent chatting about edging options. We provided 3 different choices for this project, all of which came out of Vogue Knitting’s Stitchtionary 6. If you’re feeling math-y though, you could adapt this pattern to finish of with an entirely different edging of your choice.

Since most people tackling this shawl likely already know how to knit, I chose to demo the crocheted edging. I’m a huge fan of crocheted fishnet–the Helena top from my book, Pop Goes Crochetwas created almost exclusively with a variation of this stitch — because it gives a lacy look and a lot of mileage with relative ease.

For stitchers choosing one of the two knitted edging options, here’s a how-to video for the bind-off method used for both. Even if you don’t plan on making the Shawl We wrap, check out this bind-off anyway. It’s one of my faves for adding a little extra detailing, especially on delicate or kids garments.

As our week together came to an end, I was thrilled to see photos of participants finished shawls– makes mama proud!

Kim White’s Magenta(ish) Shawl with Fishnet edging.

FOs! L-R: Mama Karen,  Maria Kegel, and Julie Bauer’s

 

NJ Knitter’s FO (front & back) with Picot Dot edging and Picot Bind-off.

 

My daughter, Clover feeling Sheep(ish) in our finished wrap.

Even though we’re no longer officially knitting-along for this project, the Ravelry thread and Facebook page will stay live with information and support. Please feel free to read posts at your leisure, ask questions of the group and most of all, share pictures of your projects!

The Shawl We pattern can be found in the Spring ’12 issue of Knit Simple Magazine on stands now, then available to purchase from the archives section of the Knit Simple website after that.

If you want to subscribe to the mag for future Stitch.Rock.Knit-alongs, you can do that here. To order Sheep(ish) yarn ahead of time, go here.

Stay tuned for the cabled beanie Stitch.Rock.Knit-along which will start on July 31!

xx,
Vickie

Psst! Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook!

Join me next week on Facebook and Ravelry for the first official, Knit Simple Stitch.Rock.Knit-along! This time around we’ll be making the triangle shawl from my column in the Spring ’12 issue. 

If you’ve never knitted a shawl from the center neck out, this is a great project to learn the technique on. We’ll be using basic garter stitch for the “body”, along with yarn-overs to increase stitches and also push the shaping out. Once that’s finished, you’ll have the choice between 3 different edgings that range in difficulty levels. I’ll be there every step of the way to help!

To join, just “Like” the Facebook page or post on either the wall or Rav group that, “you’re in!”As you start gathering supplies, please snap a shot with your phone and share the pics at either the virtual venues. We’ll cast-on on April 10th!

In my daily life, I tend to wear a lot of black and grey. Although I love color, I’m really more comfortable wearing little bursts of it against darker shades than I am in head to toe brightness. With my latest design, the Springtime Scarf I can do just that. Crocheted in in Sheep(ish) color, Hot Pink(ish), this simple neck pieces adds a bit of trend-happy pink to any ol’ outfit.

Sheep(ish): Hot Pink(ish)

Join me on Facebook or Ravelry this Thursday for a Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along to make this project for yourself. It’s quick, simple and dare I say, a little bit sassy?

Get the Springtime Scarf pattern here: download now.

Also check out these other Caron yarns in bright pink:

Simply Soft: Watermelon

Simply Soft Light: Bubble Gum

NaturallyCaron.com: Rosalinda

Hope to crochet-along with you soon!

xx,

Vickie

Sometimes thinking about how to create handmade items and incorporate them into the home can be a bit overwhelming. After all, not everyone has time to knit cotton rugs for all of the bathrooms, or crochet an afghan to drape over the couch. Still though, DIY decor items bring a personalized warmth to any dwelling. So what’s a busy stitcher to do? My advice: think small. Small project, that is.

Simple accessories that take less than a weekend to make are the perfect components for the home, no matter what your style. Coordinating throw pillows, crochet-embellished bowls, and wash cloths are all great examples of small touches of stitched style. If you want to pack a little more punch with your projects though, I suggest choosing a pop color and creating a small piece for an unexpected place. To show you what I mean, I thought I’d share a picture of my own kitchen (see above.)

On the table is a plain, vase from Ikea that I created a chevron-patterned vase sleeve for out of Sheep(ish) colors: Yellow(ish), Chartreuse(ish) and Coral(ish). The sleeve comes off so I can still wash the glass, or switch it out for another sleeve in different colors should I want to.

Hanging above the table is a plain ol’, white drum lamp that I be-cozied using the same coral color from the vase. To do this, I just knit a long, garter stitch piece on oversized needles. Then, I stretched the piece around the lamp — hot gluing along the outer edges as I went — and seamed up the back. It was so easy, and really broke up the over-whelming amount of white in that room. Oh, and for you sew-ers out there, the valances are made by cutting rectangles of fabric, hemming the edges, and creating a rod pocket at the top. Easy peasy!

I’d love to know what items you’re making for your own home. Share ‘em here, if you please!

Have a creative weekend!

xx,

Vickie