INDIAN CROSS STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - August 2016

The Indian Cross Stitch features elongated stitches that are then crossed creating a unique, open and airy stitch pattern. The garter stitch between the crossed stitches makes this a reversible stitch.

The elongated stitches can be a bit awkward to knit. Slip the stitches purlwise so that the stitches are on the needle sitting in the correct position to knit the stitch. Give a little tug once you've slipped the stitches when dropping the yarn over just to make sure that all the stitches are in the right order.

While this stitch works well for scarves and blankets, I would avoid using it for baby garments or baby blankets because their little fingers or toes can get caught in the strands of yarn.

Indian Cross Stitch

(Multiples of 8 stitches)

Rows 1 thru 4  Knit

Row 5  K1, *insert needle into next st wrapping yarn around needle 4 times, then knit that stitch drawing the 4 wraps through the st; rep from * to last st, k1. 

Row 6  *Cross 8 sts; repeat from * to end.

Rows 7 thru 10  Knit

Row 11  K1, *insert needle into next st wrapping yarn around needle 4 times, then knit that stitch drawing the 4 wraps through the st; rep from * to last st, k1. 

Row 12  Cross 4 sts, *Cross 8 sts; repeat from * to last for sts; end Cross 4 sts

These 12 rows form the Indian Cross Stitch Pattern

Abbreviations

Cross 4 sts - Slip 4 sts wyib, dropping all extra wraps creating 4 long sts on RH needle. Insert LH needle into the first 2 of these long sts and pass them over the second 2 long sts. 

Cross 8 sts - Slip 8 sts wyib, dropping all extra wraps creating 8 long sts on right-hand needle. Insert left-hand needle into the first 4 of these long sts and pass them over the second 4 long sts. Return all sts to left-hand needle and knit the sts in the new order (knit the second 4 long sts first and then the original 4 sts).

wyib - with yarn in back

ZIGZAG EYELETS

STITCH OF THE MONTH - July 2016

A pretty zigzag of left-slanting and right-slanting eyelets make up this stitch pattern created with a combination of yarn overs and decreases.

This stitch is produced on a background of stockinette so the knit fabric will naturally curl at the edges. This can be avoided by creating a garter stitch, stitch stitch or ribbed border or edging.

Zigzag Eyelet Stitch

(Multiples of 9 stitches)

Row 1 (RS) - K4, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, skp, k3.

Row 2 and every even row - Purl

Row 3 - K5, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 4 sts, yo, skp, k2.

Row 5 - K6, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 3 sts, yo, skp, k1.

Row 7 - K7, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 2 sts, yo, skp.

Row 9 - K3, *k2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, yo, k4.

Row 11 - K2, *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k2tog, yo, k5.

Row 13 - K1, *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 8 sts, k2tog, yo, k6.

Row 15 - *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to end.

Row 16 - Purl

These 16 rows make up the Zizag Eyelet stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

k2tog - knit 2 stitches together

RS - right side

skp - slip 1, knit 1, passed slipped stitch over

BASKET CABLE

Stitch of the Month – June 2016

The Basket Cable stitch is an all-over cable pattern that produces a thick and highly-textured fabric. It resembles an intricate basket weave and looks more complicated than it actually is to knit.

The dense texture of this stitch pattern will:

1. significantly narrow the gauge because the stitches are twisting throughout the row so it will be really important to check the gauge (and critical when combining the Basket Cable pattern with another stitch pattern)
2. will use more yarn vs a knit/purl stitch pattern
3. require additional ease in garments because of the thickness of the fabric

This dense fabric is best knit with a yarn that has elasticity so that the weight of the cables doesn't cause the garment to 'grow' in length so avoid using yarns such as cotton, silk or linen that are inelastic.

Basket Cable

(Multiples of 8 sts + 4)

Row 1, 3 (RS) - Knit

Row 2 and all even rows - Purl

Row 5 - K4, *C8B; repeat from * to end of row

Row 7, 9 - Knit

Row 11 - *C8F; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4

Row 12 - Purl

These 12 rows form the Basket Cable Pattern.

Abbreviations
C8B - Cable 8 back. This is worked by sliding 4 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle to behind the left needle. Knit the next 4 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

C8F - Cable 8 front. This is worked by sliding 4 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle in front of the left needle. Knit the next 4 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

HUGS & KISSES CABLE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - May 2016

The Hugs and Kisses Cable Stitch is a pretty cable pattern that features columns of 'x's and 'o's representing hugs and kisses. The cable pattern is worked over 8 stitches with a 16 row repeat.

The stitch creates a dense pattern that is great for sweaters, blankets and pillows. It's particularly lovely when worked with larger or more complicated cable patterns. How cute to include hugs and kisses into a child's garment!

Cable stitches are worked over a background of reverse stockinette stitches so that the cables "pop" and show well against the background. 

Hugs & Kisses Cable Stitch
(Multiples of 8 stitches)
Row 1 - Knit
Row 2 - Purl
Row 3 - C4F, C4B
Row 4 - Purl
Row 5 - Knit
Row 6 - Purl
Row 7 - C4F, C4B
Rows 8 - 10 -  Repeat rows 4 thru 6
Row 11 - C4B, C4F
Rows 12 - 14 - Repeat rows 4 thru 6
Row 15 - C4B, C4F
Row 16 - Purl
(These 16 rows form the Hugs and Kisses Cable stitch)

Abbreviations

C4B  Cable 4 Back  

C4F  Cable 4 Front

Abbreviations
C4B - Cable over 4 stitches to the back. This is worked by sliding 2 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle to behind the left needle. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
C4F - Cable over 4 stitches to the front. This is worked by sliding 2 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle in front of the left needle. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

GOOSEBERRY STITCH

Stitch of the Month – April 2016

The Gooseberry Stitch is a bobble stitch that is formed by working increases in one stitch which is then decreased back to one stitch over four rows. The resulting effect is a heavily textured, three-dimensional design resembling gooseberries.

It is good to note that you will need more yarn than you typically would when knitting straight stockinette stitch. 

Gooseberry Stitch

(Uneven number of stitches)

Row 1 (RS)  Knit

Row 2  K1, *(p1, yo, p1, yo, p1) in next st, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 3  Purl

Row 4  K1, *sl2 wyif, p3tog, p2sso, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 5  Knit

Row 6  k2, *(p1, yo, p1, yo, p1) in next st, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 7  Purl

Row 8  K2, *sl2 wyif, p3tog, p2sso, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

These 8 rows form the Gooseberry Stitch Pattern

Abbreviations

sl2 - slip 2 stitches 

p3tog - purl 3 stitches together

p2sso - pass 2 slipped stitches over

wyif - with yarn in front

ELONGATED DROP STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - March 2016

The Elongated Drop Stitch is a light and airy stitch pattern that is produced by wrapping the yarn around the needle a few times and then dropping the extra wraps from the needle on the following row. The more times the yarn is wrapped around the needle the longer the elongated stitches.

I found that by gently pulling the fabric lengthwise after knitting the row dropping the wraps will take up the slack and even the stitches. Avoid having a single edge stitch because it will cause the edges to become distorted since there will be less length in the edge stitch than the others in the row. Careful blocking is recommended to even the stitches.

A textured or variegated yarn would create added drama and interest. Also experiment with additional wraps around the needle creating longer dropped stitches but as you increase the number of wraps you may want to increase the number of garter stitch rows to maintain the stability of the fabric.

This is a reversible and decorative stitch that also drapes well making it a good choice for scarves and shawls.

Elongated Drop Stitch
(Any number of stitches)
Row 1 through 5  Knit
Row 6  *K1 wrapping yarn around needle 3 times; repeat from * to end of row.
Note: When working the next "knit" row, knit each stitch allowing the wraps to drop off the needle.
These 6 rows form the Elongated Drop Stitch

PANTONE COLOR REPORT FALL 2016

Pantone® released its Top Ten list of colors for Fall 2016 this past week during New York's Fashion Week. The theme for the Spring season is: A Unity of Strength, Confidence and Complexity.

The desire for tranquility, strength, and optimism have inspired a Fall 2016 color palette that is led by the Blue family. Along with anchoring earth tones, exuberant pops of vibrant colors also appear throughout the collections. 

Transcending gender, these unexpectedly vivacious colors in our Fall 2016 palette act as playful but structured departures from your more typical fall shades. Blue skies represent constancy as they are always above us. Grays give a feeling of stability, Red tones invite confidence and warmth, while the hot Pinkish Purples and Spicy Mustard Yellows suggest a touch of the exotic.                 ~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute™

Pantone has introduced six new colors for fall: Riverside, Airy Blue, Sharkskin, Lush Meadow, Spicy Mustard and Bodacious. The pallet features Airy Blue and Dusty Cedar that gives a nod to the two shades named as the Pantone Color of the Year for 2016 – Serenity and Rose Quartz.

Riverside - Sophisticated sky blue that was well represented on the runways

Airy Blue - Light and airy blue 
Sharkskin - Bold gray that pairs well with the other colors in the pallet

Aurora Red - Bold and sensual
Warm Taupe - Neutral taupe that grounds the pallet
Dusty Rose - Warm dusty rose
Lush Meadow - Rich and vibrant green
Spicy Mustard - Warm yellow with a touch of citrus
Potter's Clay - Neutral russet orange earth tone
Bodacious - Vibrant pinkish purple

SPINE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – February 2016

The Spine stitch is worked as an all over cable pattern creating an appealing 'spine' texture. Each stitch on the right side row is cabled resulting in a dense fabric that has less drape.

Working a one-over-one cable is the simplest of cable stitches and can be worked without a cable needle. This technique is referred to as a cable-type crossed stitch.

Spine Stitch

(Multiple of 4 stitches)

Row 1 (RS)  *C2B, C2F; repeat from * to end

Row 2          Purl

These 2 rows form the Spine Stitch

Abbreviations

C2B  Cable 2 Back  

C2F  Cable 2 Front

Directions

Cable 2 Back: Knit second stitch on left needle through the back loop, then knit first stitch through the back loop. Drop both stitches from left needle. 

Cable 2 Front: Knit second stitch on left needle through the front loop, then knit first stitch through the front loop. Drop both stitches from left needle.

LACY ZIGZAG STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - January 2016
The Lacy Zigzag is a feminine stitch pattern that combines a zigzagging wave of stockinette stitch eyelet stitches. This pretty pattern would be lovely worked in a scarf, accessories or as a lace inset panel.  

Lacy Zig Zag
(Multiples of 6 sts + 3)

Row 1 (RS)   K1, *skp, k2, yo, k2; repeat from * to last st, k2

Row 2           Purl

Repeat rows 1 and 2 twice.

Row 7           K4, *yo, k2, k2tog; k2; repeat from * to last 5 sts; yo, k2, k2tog, k1.
Row 8           Purl

Repeat rows 7 and 8 twice.

These 12 rows form the Lazy Zigzag stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

K2tog - knit 2 together

RS - right side

Skp - slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over

Yo - yarn over

Pantone Color of the Year 2016: ROSE QUARTZ and SERENITY

For the first time, Pantone^®, the leading global color authority, has named two shades as its color of the year for 2016. The pastel pairing includes ROSE QUARTZ, a gentle shade of pink, and SERENITY, a calming tranquil blue like the name suggests.

Pantone

The colors are a nod to equality reflecting our changing attitudes towards typical gender stereotypes.

In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judge and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.~ Pantone

These softer tones are quite a departure from the bold colors of the past few years. They are meant to demonstrate balance and wellness, order and peace.

Fashion

Crissy Teigan

Interior Design

via Vogue Living

Beauty

Sephora 2016 Color of the Year Collection

TRAVELLING VINE LACE

Stitch of the Month - December 2015
The Travelling Vine Lace stitch is a lovely stitch with lovely waves of lace travelling up the fabric.

After working an odd row (RS), there are multiples of 9 stitches. Therefore, only count your stitches after working an even (WS) row.

Travelling Vine Stitch
(Multiples of 8 sts + 2)

Row 1 (RS)	K1, *yf, K1tbl, yf, k2tog tbl, k5; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2	P5, *p2tog tbl, p7; rep from * to last 6 sts, p2tog tbl, p4.
Row 3	K1, *yf, K1tbl, yf, k2, k2tog tbl, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 4	P3, *p2tog tbl, p7; rep from * to last 8 sts, p2tog tbl, p6.
Row 5	K1, *K1tbl, yf, k4, k2tog tbl, k1, yf; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 6	P2, *p2tog tbl, p7; rep to end.
Row 7	K6, *k2tog, yf, k1tbl, yf, k5; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2tog, yf, k1tbl, yf, k1.
Row 8	P4, *p2tog, p7; rep to last 7 sts, p2tog, p5.
Row 9	K4, *k2tog, k2, yf, k1tbl, yf, k3; rep from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, k2, yf, k1tbl, yf, k1.
Row 10	P6, *p2tog, p7; rep to last 5 sts, p2tog, p3.

Abbreviations
k1tbl - knit 1 through back loop
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together
k2tog tbl - knit 2 stitches together through back loops
p2tog - purl 2 stitches together
p2tog tbl - purl 2 stitch together through back loops
rep - repeat
rs - right side
st(s) - stitch(es)
ws - wrong side