Calendar and Stuff

We are working on another calendar. Last year's was a success and everyone was so appreciative of our efforts and said such kind words to all of us really trying to get this formatted printed and out the door. We did find out that you really need to start the process prior to September of the previous year :( We didn't plan on doing a calendar, the reason this was started was because after viewing ALL of the professional calendars coming out for 2007 none of them had the type of patterns that our group enjoys doing. You would think a calendar having 365 patterns would devote at least 50+ patterns for the home. All it would have taken was a little research on the Internet to see what interests are out there and give the customers what they want.





We are doing it a little different this year due to the problems we had delivering the calendars so we won't be using USPS this time. There will be more posted here as we progress on our calendar.

I recently sent some stitch markers to one of our supporters. It is a little difficult getting close ups but anyway...I did post a photo here of what I sent. They have such cool beads out there now and I couldn't resist some animal print one's and some beautiful colors of crystal.

I buy most of my supplies from Fire Mountain Gems and Oriental Traders. Well...until recently. I spend around $60+ when I do order from them but I had a bad experience with Oriental Traders and won't be giving them anymore of my business. I can understand following procedures and all that but when I need to know when something is going to be resolved I don't want to hear "well it isn't our fault"...where did this uncaring, lack of empathy and general attitude come to in this country? I worked as a Director in Customer Service and over Operations with the phone company and I would NOT put up with that kind of service from my employees and can't imagine why this is so prevalent now. I have learned that the way to get a message across is through the pocketbook, meaning you don't deal with these people after you have been mis-treated by them.

NOW FOR FUN....I am having a fun give-away at our Monthly Dishcloth Group in celebration of the 4th of July. If you are in that group you will want to be watching your emails and visit my site often to get more information. You can also check out our group at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths/



Janet Nogle
Calendar Site:
http://designknitting.blogspot.com
Personal Site:
http://janetsknittingroom.blogspot.com/

All Around Lace Cloth

All Around Lace Cloth

Copyright © Janet Nogle – May 2007

Materials: 1 skein cotton yarn (Classic Elite Newport Yarn used for model)
#7 Knitting Needle

Cast on 41
Row 1 K1, P1 Across
Row 2 K1, P1 Across
Row 3 K1, P1 Across
Row 4 K1, P1 Across

Pattern:
Row 1 K1, P1, K1, P35, K1, P1, K1
Row 2 K1, P1, K1, K1, SSK, *YO K4, YO K2Tog, K2, SSK*, Repeat from * to
* end last repeat with YO K2, K1, P1, K1
Row 3 K1, P1, K1, P35, K1, P1, K1
Row 4 K1, P1, K1, K2, * YO K2Tog, K1, K2Tog, YO K1, YO SSK, K2 *
Repeat from * to * , end YO K2Tog, K1, K1, P1, K1
Row 5 K1, P1, K1, P35, K1, P1, K1
Row 6 K1, P1, K1, K2, *K2, K2Tog, YO K3, YO SSK, K1*; Repeat between
*’s, end with K3, K1, P1, K1
Row 7 K1, P1, K1, P35, K1, P1, K1
Row 8 K1, P1, K1, K2 *K1, K2Tog, YO K5, YO SSK *, Repeat between *’s, end
with K3, K1, P1, K1

Row 9 K1, P1, K1, P35, K1, P1, K1
Row 10: K1, P1, K1, K1, YO *SK2P, YO K3, YO K2Tog, K2, YO *, Repeat between *’s, end (make sure you do the last YO before doing SK2P) SK2P, YO K1, K1, P1, K1

Row 11 K1, P1, K1, P35, K1, P1 K1
Row 12 K1, P1, K1, K2, *YO SSK, K2, SSK, YO K4 *; Repeat between *’s, end
with YO SSK, K1, P1, K1

Repeat rows 1-12 two more times or until desired length,

Work 4 rows of K1, P1, bind off in pattern.

NOTES:

SK2P - Slip next stitch, k2tog, then psso
SSk -Slip first stitch on left needle as if to knit. Slip next stitch on left needle as if to knit. Insert tip of left needle in the front through both slipped stitches. Wrap yarn around tip of right needle and then knit these two stitches together.

Create A Pattern Cloth

Well I have been real busy putting some info together for our calendar in 2008, babysitting and just trying to keep up with emails and stuff. I was coming up with some new patterns and it dawned on me that we haven't shared pattern information like we should so I decided that this cloth could be worked as is but to also give those that were interested information on how they could modify a pattern to make up their own cloth. I also have added some simple explanations (you might want more detailed instructions which I have posted on the Monthly Dishcloth Group site.) for a K2tog tbl and P2tog tbl (tbl=Through Back Loops).

Here is the pattern:

Create A Pattern Cloth

Copyright © May 2007 Janet Nogle

Have you ever seen a design on a garment and thought “WOW that design would make a great cloth” but you were not sure how to go about it? Well it isn’t as hard as it may sound.

You have to know the gauge and number of stitches to the design but most patterns will supply that information anyway.

I came up with 30 stitches for the pattern and decided to crochet a row around the cloth when done instead of adding additional stitches for the border. If you want to include a knitted border, just add 3 or 4 stitches on each side in a garter stitch or Moss stitch.

I started with 4 rows of Moss. When you have “even” number of stitches in a row your Moss Stitch sequence rows should be:

1. K1, P1 Across
2. P1, K1 Across
3. K1, P1 Across
4. P1, K1 Across

If you have an “odd” number of stitches in your design you should follow the below sequence:

1. K1, P1 Across
2. K1, P1 Across
3. K1, P1 Across
4. K1, P1 Across


The reason for the difference?

You start the next row with the same stitch you ended with on the previous row. If your last stitch was a Purl stitch then you start with a Purl stitch on the next row and vice versa.

Note: Don’t forget to add in your border stitches on each side. These instructions provide the pattern stitches only.

The next set of stitches is the Rice Stitch. This is a simple stitch and gives a “twisted” effect. The number of stitches required to work this pattern is 2 + 1

Rice Stitch:
Note: “tbl” = through back loop

1 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
2 Knit Across
3 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
4 Knit Across
5 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
6 Knit Across
7 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
8 Knit Across
9 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across

Start next set on Right Side of Work, I call this “Waving Lace” but you can substitute this set for the Bee Stitch, Moss Stitch or Basket Weave. Any pattern stitch that is equal to a multiple of 30, 2x2, 5x5, etc P2Tog tbl is explained below, please read before starting.

1 (RS) Knit
2 (WS) Purl
3 K2, K4, K2tog, K1, YF *K9, K2Tog, K1, YF; Rep from *, end K9
4 P2, P8, YRN P1, P2Tog, *P9, YRN P1, P2Tog; Rep from * to last 5, P5
5 K2, K2, *K2Tog, K1, YF K9; Rep from * end K2
6 P2, P10, YRN P1, P2Tog, *P9, YRN P1, P2Tog; Rep from* to last 3, P3
7 Knit Across
8 Purl Across
9 K2, K7, YF K1, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, *K9, YF K1, Sl 1-K1-PSSO; Rep from* to last 6, K6
10 P2, P3, P2Tog tbl, P1, YRN *P9, P2Tog tbl, P1, YRN; Rep * to last 10, P10
11 K2, *K9, YF K1, Sl 1-K1-PSSO; Rep from * to last 4, K4
12 P2, P1, P2Tog tbl, P1, YRN, *P9, P2Tog tbl, P1, YRN; Rep * last 12, P12

Repeat above 12 rows once again.

Close Up Of Lace Design

Purl Through The Back Loops Explanation:

There are several ways to accomplish this stitch; you need to find the easiest and most comfortable way for you. The way most patterns explain it is:

P2Tog-b: Purl 2 together through back loop Inserting needle from the left, behind, into the backs of the 2nd and 1st stitches (in that order) , then wrapping yarn in front to complete the purl stitch in the usual way.

Some good sites to help with this:

http://www.knittingwisdom.com/classes/shaping-descreases-purl-2-together-through-back-loop.htm

http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/lucia/296

OR.............Purl 1 stitch, return it to the left-hand needle, then with point of right hand needle pass the next st over it and off needle. Then slip the st back to right hand needle. (not everyone will agree that there is more than one way to do something – do what is comfortable for you)

Yarn Overs when Purling: You have to wrap the yarn around the needle when increasing with Yarn Overs and purling, having the yarn just lay on the needle will not provide you with an extra stitch.

Do another 9 rows of the Rice Stitch:


Rice Stitch:
Note: “tbl” = through back loop

1 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
2 Knit Across
3 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
4 Knit Across
5 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
6 Knit Across
7 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across
8 Knit Across
9 P1, (K1 tbl, P1) Across

Repeat Moss border of 4 rows:

1. K1, P1 Across
2. P1, K1 Across
3. K1, P1 Across
4. P1, K1 Across

Bind off in Moss Stitch

Definitions:

Tbl Through Back Loops
YRN Yarn Over
YF Yarn Forward
PSSO Pass Slip Stitch Over

***Moss - Ivy Facecloth Correction***

Well just wanted everyone to know that there is a correction that needs to be made to the Moss - Ivy Facecloth. It has to do with where you start the Pattern Rows.

1. K1, P1, Across end with K1
2. K1, P1, Across end with K1
3. K1, P1, Across end with K1
4. K1, P1, K1, Purl 31, K1, P1, K1
5. K1, P1, K1, Knit 31, K1, P1, K1
6. K1, P1, K1, Purl 31, K1, P1, K1
7. K1, P1, Across end with K1
8. K1, P1, Across end with K1
9. K1, P1, Across end with K1
10. K1, P1, K1, Purl 31, K1, P1, K1 (WS)

Start Pattern Rows on the right side

Start the first row of the pattern rows now and complete the instructions according to the pattern previously posted.

Janet Nogle
jnogle@cox.net

New Blog and First Design to be added

Well I am trying to get back to a normal schedule. I have finished the calendar and will only be doing mainenance on the Yahoo group where the the corrections and overflow patterns are.

I had to put my dishcloth design "Moss N Ivy" on the back burner until the calendar ordeal was over. I have finished it, tested it and have given it to several people because I didn't have it posted yet. I have finished it and I am adding it to my blog. I have something else in the works too but I haven't had a lot of time to work on it but you will see it in the near future.

Remember these are copyright patterns designed by me. You are more than welcome to print out a copy for your own use but you can't post this pattern anywhere or claim it as your own. I hope you enjoy using it and if you want more information about Moss borders see my previous message.

Moss-Ivy Face Cloth
© Janet Nogle February 2007

Materials:
#7 Knitting Needles
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted 1 skein (Snapdragon was the color used in photo) OR
Any Cotton yarn 1 skein

Cast on 37 stitches

This border pattern is 9 rows, three rows Moss (K1, P1), three rows stockinette and three more rows Moss (K1, P1). You can use whatever border you like, I just wanted something different.

Notes:

Lifelines are recommended with this cloth, I always use them when working with a lace pattern.

P2Tog-b: Purl 2 together through back loop Inserting needle from the left, behind, into the backs of the 2nd and 1st stitches (in that order) , then wrapping yarn in front to complete the purl stitch in the usual way. Some good sites to help with this:

http://www.knittingwisdom.com/classes/shaping-descreases-purl-2-together-through-back-loop.htm

http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/lucia/296



OR

Purl 1 stitch, return it to the left-hand needle, then with point of right hand needle pass the next st over it and off needle. Then slip the st back to right hand needle. (not everyone will agree that there is more than one way to do something – do what is comfortable with you)

Yarn Overs when Purling: You have to wrap the yarn around the needle when increasing with Yarn Overs and purling, having the yarn just lay on the needle will not provide you with an extra stitch.

I have given instructions “stitch by stitch” instead of using the usual * to repeat sequence of stitches because several rows may throw you off using the traditional method.


1. K1, P1, Across end with K1
2. K1, P1, Across end with K1
3. K1, P1, Across end with K1
4. K1, P1, K1, Purl 31, K1, P1, K1
5. K1, P1, K1, Knit 31, K1, P1, K1
6. K1, P1, K1, Purl 31, K1, P1, K1
7. K1, P1, Across end with K1
8. K1, P1, Across end with K1
9. K1, P1, Across end with K1



1. K1, P1, K1, K4, K2Tog, K1, YO K4, K2Tog, K1, YO K4, K2Tog, K1, YO K4, K2Tog, K1, YO K3, K1, P1, K1

2. (WS) K1, P1, K1, P3, YO P2, P2Tog, P3, YO P2, P2Tog, P3, YO P2, P2Tog, P3, YO P2, P2Tog, P3, K1, P1, K1

3. (RS) K1, P1, K1, K2, K2Tog, K3, YO K2, K2Tog, K3 YO K2, K2Tog, K3, YO K2, K2Tog, K3, YO K3, K1, P1, K1

4. K1, P1, K1, P3, YO P4, P2Tog, P1, YO P4, P2Tog, P1, YO P4, P2Tog, P1, YO P4, P2Tog, P1, K1, P1, K1

5. K1, P1, K1, K2Tog, K5, YO K2Tog, K5, YO K2Tog, K5, YO K2Tog, K5, YO K3, K1, P1, K1

6. K1, P1, K1, P4, P2Tog-b, P1, YO P4, P2Tog-b, P1, YO P4, P2Tog-b, P1, YO P4, P2Tog-b, P1, YO P3, K1, P1, K1

7. K1, P1, K1, K3, YO K3, SSK, K2, YO K3, SSK, K2, YO K3, SSK, K2, YO K3, SSK, K2, K1, P1, K1

8. K1, P1, K1, P2, P2Tog-b, P3, YO P2, P2Tog-b, P3, YO P2, P2Tog-b, P3, YO P2, P2Tog-b, P3, YO P3, K1, P1, K1

9. K1, P1, K1, K3, YO K4, SSK, K1, YO K4, SSK, K1, YO K4, SSK, K1, YO K4, SSK, K1, K1, P1, K1

10. K1, P1, K1, P2Tog-b, P5, YO P2Tog-b, P5, YO P2Tog-b, P5, YO P2Tog-b, P5, YO P3, K1, P1, K1

Repeat the 10 row sequence two more times or until the size you prefer is completed and work the border:

1. K1, P1, Across end with K1
2. K1, P1, Across end with K1
3. K1, P1, Across end with K1
4. K1, P1, K1, Purl 31, K1, P1, K1
5. K1, P1, K1, Knit 31, K1, P1, K1
6. K1, P1, K1, Purl 31, K1, P1, K1
7. K1, P1, Across end with K1
8. K1, P1, Across end with K1
9. K1, P1, Across end with K1

Bind off in Stockenette

New Blog

This is my new blog for knitting and personal information. I wanted to leave the other blog (designknitting.blogspot.com) for the Calendar information.

I will be adding information about knitting, my patterns, personal info on this blog. I did finish up everything pertaining to the Calendar last week so time to move on.

I am working with different border looks for cloths. I think we get bored with the Garter and Moss stitch borders. Of course no one is strapped with having to do the exact border a pattern calls for. I have converted Garter stitch borders to Moss stitch and Moss to Garter borders. I believe it depends on the look you want to have. I use Moss to dress up a cloth and Garter to dress down a look. I don't like using Moss if the cloth pattern is fancy, I think it detracts from the design, unless Moss is part of the pattern. If you have a "Picture" cloth you are working with that has just one point of focus then you would probably want to make it a Moss border.

My new pattern called "Moss N Ivy" uses the Moss stitch as part of the border and pattern. I wanted to "frame" the cloth so I used this as part of the design. If you ever want to change a border to Moss but don't know how to do this, use the following as a rule of thumb:

This is worked over two stitches (K1, P1). If you have an uneven number of stitches in your design, every row will start with K1 and end with K1. If you have an even number of stitches in your design, you will need to rotate the pattern. Row 1 will be K1, P1 and end with P1. Your next row will have to start with P1, K1. What is the secret of this.....If a row ends with K1, then the next row will start with K1 and vice versa.

I will be adding the pattern as soon as I have it tested and make any necessary changes.

Janet Nogle
jnogle@cox.net