Experiencing a bit of festive fatigue from all the last minute knitting and holiday preparations??  If you are down to the crunch and still need to come up with one more speedy gift idea for a helpful neighbour, a favorite teacher, or maybe have on hand for an unexpected guest at the dinner table on Christmas Eve, take a look at this week’s festive project- 

These colourful chunky mittens will be finished and ready to wrap after an afternoon of knitting, complete with nostalgic charm,  just like Grandma used to make from her scrap basket.  Knit in Escape Chunky from Sirdar, a tweedy mix of wool and acrylic in sixteen fun stripey colourways.    

Last Minute Mittens

LAST MINUTE MITTENS

Size:  Women’s Medium (Large)

Yarn:  2 balls Sirdar Escape Chunky col #178

Needles:  4.50 mm and 6.00 mm double pointed

Tension:  14 sts and 19 rows = 4 in/10 cm in st st

Right Mitten-

Cast on 24 (28) sts with smaller needles.  Divide sts evenly onto 3 needles.  Join in round and place a marker.  Work in K1/P1 ribbing for 3 (3.5) in/7.5 (9) cm.  Change to larger needles and work in K rnds, inc 2 sts evenly across 1st rnd = 26 (30) sts.  Place a marker on needle between first and last st, and between 13th and 14th (15th and 16th) st.  K 10 rnds. 

Thumb Opening:  Using a 12 in/30 cm length of scrap yarn, K the first 4 (5) sts, slip these 4 (5) sts back to left needle.  Note:  This will act as a stitch holder.  K across all sts with Main yarn.  Cont in K rnds until work meas 8.5 (9) in/22 (23) cm.

Shape Top:  *K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K to 3 sts before next marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker*, rep once more across rnd.  Rep these decs on each rnd until 10 sts remain.  Cut yarn and draw through all sts.  Tighten and secure.  

Thumb:  Remove scrap yarn carefully and pick up 11(12) sts around opening with larger needles.  Divide evenly onto 3 needles.  Attach yarn and K 10 (11) rnds. 

Shape Top:  *K2tog, K2*, rep *to* across rnd, end with K2tog, K1 (2) = 8 (9) sts.  K 1 rnd.  *K2tog*, rep *to* until 4 (5) sts remain.  Cut yarn and draw through rem sts.  Tighten and secure.

Left Mitten-

Work as Right Mitten until Thumb Opening:  K to last 4 (5) sts, using a 12 in /30 cm length of scrap yarn, K 4 (5) sts, slip these 4 (5) sts back to left needle, K across with Main yarn.  Cont to work as Right Mitten. 

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)  

Just a dozen or more days to go, with gingerbread houses still to decorate, frosted ornaments to dangle on the tree, presents to wrap and ribbons to curl, that to do list seems to keep growing instead of shrinking.  If you are searching for a quick and easy stocking stuffer to knit for under ten dollars, here is this week’s festive project-  

At the top of the wish list this season for teens who text and twitter, a cosy pair of chunky wrist warmers to keep hands warm while fingers are free to update friends minute by minute.  Trying cables for the first time?  This simple design features a stylish stag horn cable with side ribs for the perfect fit, knit in Galway Chunky from the Diamond Luxury Collection, pure wool in eighteen classic shades including ‘cherry red.’

Wrist Warmers in Galway Chunky

CHEERY RED WRIST WARMERS

Size:  Women’s Medium

Finished Width- 9 in/23 cm

Finished Length- 10 in/25 cm

Yarn:  100g Galway Chunky col #44 (cherry red)

Needles:  5.00 mm and 6.00 mm

Tension:  14 sts and 20 rows = 4 in/10 cm in st st

Left Wrist Warmer-

**Cast on 34 sts with smaller needles.  Work in K2/P2 ribbing for 3 in/7.5 cm, inc 2 sts evenly across last row = 36 sts.  Change to larger needles and cont in Pattern as follows-**

Row 1- K2, P2, K2, P2, K8, *P2, K2*, rep *to* 5 times

Row 2 and 4- work sts as they appear

Row 3- K2, P2, K2, P2, C4B (slip 2 sts to cable needle at back of work, K 2 sts from left needle, K 2 sts from cable needle), C4F (slip 2 sts to cable needle at front of work, K 2 sts from left needle, K 2 sts from cable needle), *P2, K2*, rep *to* 5 times

Rep these 4 rows a total of 6 times.  Change to smaller needles and work in K2/P2 ribbing for 4 rows, dec 2 sts evenly across 1st row.  Cast off. 

Right Wrist Warmer-

Work **to** as above then cont as follows-

Row 1- *K2, P2*, rep *to* 5 times, K8, P2, K2, P2, K2

Row 2 and 4- work sts as they appear

Row 3- *K2, P2*, rep *to* 5 times, C4B, C4F, P2, K2, P2, K2

Rep these 4 rows a total of 6 times.  Change to smaller needles and cont in K2/P2 ribbing for 4 rows, dec 2 sts evenly across 1st row.  Cast off.

Sew side seam leaving a 1.5 in/4 cm thumb opening approx. 3 in/7.5 cm from top edge.

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)

Feeling festive?? Looking for a few last minute gift ideas to knit?  Check in weekly right here at the Diamond Yarn Blog from now until Christmas for the latest in budget friendly projects, to sashay across your needles before old St. Nick does his shimmy down the chimney.  

This week’s festive project will add bright holiday cheer, knit in a very simple two-sided lace design.  One ball of Party Angel, in whispery soft kid mohair swirled with silk and frosted with a filament of glitter, is a little splash of luxury for someone special on your list.  

Party Angel Scarf

PARTY ANGEL SCARF

Finished Size:  9 in/ 23 cm x 42 in/ 107 cm

Yarn:  1 ball Party Angel by Debbie Bliss col #7 (poppy red)

Needles:  4.50 mm

Tension:  20 sts and 24 rows = 4 in/ 10 cm in st st

Cast on 47 sts.  K 2 rows.  Cont in Pattern St as follows-

Row 1- K2, YO, *K3, P2, P3tog, P2, K3, YRN, P2, YO*, rep *to* twice, end with, K3, P2, P3tog, P2, K3, YO, K2 

Row 2- K2, *P4, K5, P4, K2*, rep *to*

Row 3- K2, YO, *K4, P1, P3tog, P1, K4, YRN, P2, YO*, rep *to* twice, end with, K4, P1, P3tog, P1, K4, YO, K2

Row 4- K2, *P5, K3, P5, K2*, rep *to*

Row 5- K2, YO, *K5, P3tog, K5, YRN, P2, YO*, rep *to* twice, end with, K5, P3tog, K5, YO, K2

Row 6- K2, *P6, K1, P6, K2*, rep *to*

Rep these 6 rows until work meas 42 in/107 cm, ending with Row 6.  K 2 rows.  Cast off.  Block gently with steam iron.

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)

The first few frosty mornings in November are a gentle reminder of whats to come as the north wind prepares for its surprise attack, and the phantom swirl of winter looms ahead of us somewhere on the horizon.  Get ready for the deep freeze and add a buffer of warmth with this plush cowl, knit in Fabula by Katia, a supersized wool that feels as soft and comfortable as if its been washed time after time.  On 10.00 mm needles, its a speedy knit, just right as a weekend project, and a great pattern to share with your knitting circle.   

Fabula Cowl

Needles:  10.00 mm

Tension:  8 sts and 11 rows = 4 in/ 10 cm in st st

Cast on 33 sts.

Work in Pattern St as follows-

Row 1- *P1, K3*, rep *to*, end with, P1

Row 2- K2, *P1, K3*, rep *to*, end with, P1, K2

Rep these 2 rows until work meas 31 in/ 79 cm-

Make 3 Buttonholes:  Pattern across 4 sts, YO, K2tog, *Pattern across 10 sts, YO, K2tog*, rep *to* once more, work to end of row.

Work a further 4 rows in Pattern.

Cast off.

Sew 3 buttons to opposite end to correspond.

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)

Choose from one of nine alluring colourways in Fabula including these three delights-   

Fabula #97

Fabula #95

Fabula #96

Just as every good carpenter searches for the creme de la creme in quality tools for his trade, those of us who love to knit are on a perpetual quest for the finest in circular, double pointed, and straight needles, along with all the fancy gizmos that make our favorite pastime so much more enjoyable.  Knitting needles which were once widely available in irritating metal or tacky to the touch plastic have now become a matter of maximum performance and very personal preference.

Lace knitters opt for nickel-plated brass or steel circulars for slick speed and sharp points that pierce effortlessly through the most delicate stitches.  Sock knitters and natural fibre aficionados lean towards wood or bamboo double points and straights for the warmth factor and natural grip that creates a very even tension at a relaxed speed.  Knitters who suffer through arthritic pain often find relief and comfort in the warmth of wood, allowing their fingers to click away for longer stretches of time.  Eco friendly knitters also favor wooden needles for the environmental aspects, ‘what comes from the earth, goes back to the earth.’

NOW in Canada for the first time!  Diamond Yarn introduces Knitter’s Pride, superior craftsmanship in a complete line of knitting needles and accessories.  This is a brand that stands apart from all others with exceptional workmanship and excellence in design… not to mention the most irresistible rainbow-coloured sizing system that will make knitters want to proudly show off their entire needle collection.  Well-tested in over forty-five countries, Knitter’s Pride has been recognized as the fastest growing knitting accessory brand in all of Europe.

Take a tour of this exquisite debut line from Diamond Yarn, and be sure to add your name to the arrival list at your LYS-

Cubics Double Points

Symfonie Cubics are easy to grip with their ergonomic shape in highly polished wood.  Comfortable to hold, these uniquely shaped needles allow beginners to produce a constant tension, and sock knitters rave about the double points.  Available in 10 inch and 14 inch straights, 24 inch, 32 inch, and 40 inch circulars, as well as 6 inch and 8 inch double points, and the popular interchangeable sets.  Sizes range from 2.00 mm to 8.00 mm.

Symfonie Dreamz

Symfonie Dreamz are a dazzling rainbow-coded needle system ideal for easy identification and the ultimate in organization.  Truly eye candy for knitters!!  Made from lightweight wood, very flexible and soft to the touch.  Available in 10 inch and 14 inch straights, 16 inch, 24 inch, 32 inch, 40 inch, and (incredibly) 47 inch circulars, as well as 5 inch, 6 inch, and 8 inch double points.  Individuals, interchangeable or full set options range in size from 2.00 mm up to 12.00 mm.

Basix Birch

Basix is comprised of birch, a dense wood that is both durable and easy on the hands.  Bulky knitters will scoop these up in a hurry.  Birch needles will stand the test of time without splintering or warping.  Available in 10 inch, and 14 inch straights, 24 inch, 32 inch, 40 inch, and 47 inch circulars, as well as 8 inch double points.  Sizes range from 8.00 mm to 25.00 mm.

Nova

Nova needles are nickel plated over hollow brass piping, precisely engineered for master knitters to appreciate.  Available in 10 inch and 14 inch straights, 16 inch, 24 inch, 32 inch, 40 inch, and 47 inch circulars, as well as 5 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch double points.  Sizes range from 2.00 mm to 12.00 mm in individual or interchangeable sets.

Symfonie Rose Special Set

Special Edition sets are the gift to top all Christmas lists this year!  A luxurious wooden case is a knitter’s dream complete with Symfonie Rose interchangeable needles.  Includes 8 needles, sized 3.50 mm to 8.00 mm and 4 cords sized from 24 inch to 40 inch, as well as the full interchangeable tool kit.

Symfonie Rose Crochet Set

Symfonie Rose Crochet Set comes complete with eight individually sized hooks, 3.50 mm to 8.00 mm and the icing on the cake- a Swarovski crystal embedded in the end of each one!!

Many more tools and accessories are available in the full line from Knitter’s Pride, be sure to ask your LYS  to view the entire collection.

Its the biggest question around the water cooler this week, “Who is getting up at 3 a.m. to watch the royal wedding?”  Viewing parties have been set up weeks in advance with the requested attire being pjs and wacky hats.  CBC is hosting a televised event party in downtown Toronto with free scones and tea for everyone and prizes for the best hats and wedding dress.  If you want to look like you’ve already attended a few royal weddings, then clip on a ‘fascinator’, that British style hair adornment that falls somewhere between a pillbox and a well-crafted bird’s nest, and made favorable again by Kate Middleton.

Wherever your royal viewing takes place, a good pot of tea and a couple of handknit Union Jacks will set the mood nicely.

Union Jack by Debbie Bliss

Pick up a copy of the Spring/Summer issue of the Debbie Bliss magazine for the instructions to make this British flag, the most coveted souvenir of the event.

Thanks to a lovely British knitter, here are the instructions for a proper pot of tea-

1.  Pour fresh cold water into the kettle, never use water boiled more than once, and make sure your kettle is free of scale.

2.  Boil the water.

3.  Pour a bit of the boiled water into the empty teapot, swirl it around and pour out.

4.  Put your tea of choice into the teapot- one teabag per person, or one rounded teaspoon of loose tea per cup.

5.  Pour the boiled water into the pot.

6.  Leave it to brew 3-5 minutes, add a tea cosy for maximum heat.

7.  In tea cups, the milk should always go in first.

8.  Pour the tea into the cup,

9.  Add fine white sugar if required, but never honey or brown sugar. 

10.  Stir and enjoy!

Its Easter Weekend and the hip hop sound of little feet are gearing up in full pursuit of jellybeans and candy-coated eggs that provide enough sugary pep to rival the Energizer Bunny.  No more “Put On Your Easter Bonnet”, as Bing Crosby warbled decades ago, this year its the soft and spongy pull-on cap thats trendy for newborns and toddlers.  With floppy bunny ears or perky little bear ears, they both fit the Easter theme and top off a special outfit. 

Four month old Brycie is especially cute and looks eager to celebrate her first Easter.  Its a toss up between the Baby Bunny Cap and the Baby Bear Cap, both crocheted at supersonic speed…….. in less than thirty minutes, can you imagine??  There is still plenty of time left to add one or two to an Easter basket.  Sirdar Snuggly Snowdrops Chunky, a softly spun yarn sprinkled with miniature pompoms is available in twelve shades, including all new Spring samplings- apple pips, bubbles, lollipops, and choccy drops.   

Baby Bunny Cap

Baby Bear Cap

BABY BUNNY CAP

Sizes:  3-6 mon (9-12 mon)

Yarn:  1 ball Sirdar Snuggly Snowdrops Chunky

Hook:  6.00 mm

Tension:  10 dc and 6 rows = 4 in/ 10 cm

Ch2.  Join in round with a slip st.  Place marker.  Work 6 dc into ring, slip st to join.

Rnd 1- ch2, 2 dc in each sc = 12 dc

Rnd 2- ch2, 2 dc in each dc = 24 dc

Rnd 3- ch2, *1 (2) dc in next dc, 2 (2) dc in next dc*, rep to* = 36 (48) dc

Rnd 4- ch2, 1 dc in each dc

Rep last rnd 4 (5) times more.  Slip st to join and fasten off.

Bunny Ears: (make 2)

Ch10.  1 sc in each ch = 9 sc, turn.

Rnd 1- ch1, 1 sc in next 3 sc, 3 hdc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, 3 sc in next sc, do not turn, continue to work along underside of base ch as follows- 2 sc in next 2 ch, 3 hdc in next 3 ch, 2 sc in next 2 ch, slip st to join at end of rnd.  Fasten off.

Sew each ear to top of cap as in photo.

BABY BEAR CAP

Follow directions as above for cap.

Bear Ears:  (make 2)

Ch2.  Join in rnd with a slip st.  Place marker.  Work 6 sc into ring, slip st to join.

Rnd 1- 2 sc in each sc = 12 sc

Rnd 2- *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc*, rep *to* = 18 sc

small size only- slip st to join, fasten off.

large size only-work 1 sc in each sc, slip st to join, fasten off.

Sew each ear to top of cap as in photo.

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)

With gingerbread cookies still to bake, trees to decorate and presents to wrap, its good to know some things can knit up in a hurry.  No matter how carefully we schedule and plan each day leading up to the jingling sounds of Santa’s sleigh, there is bound to be someone who pops up on our gift list at the very last minute.  Instead of rushing out to the mall and fighting through the holiday crowds, why not spend a relaxing evening at home, enjoying the ambiance of the season and make something truly unique and handmade.

Indie Knits by Sirdar holds the secret to knitting in the fast lane and making the speediest gifts for the holidays.  Each of these five accessories averages only two to four hours to make.  Now that’s what we call Santa’s Little Helper!

Floppy Hat in Indie by Sirdar

With oversize needles in hand, and two balls of Indie in colour 154, knit an ultra thick and cosy hat- Montana Style in less than two hours.  Its a stocking stuffer that will bring a winter’s worth of warmth.

Ribbed Indie Scarf

For beginners- try out this simple ribbed scarf in Navajo # 151, and watch how it zips across the needles with incredible speed.  Indie is light and lofty with a dramatic effect.  Amaze your friends with bold vibrant colour in well under four hours!

Aviator Hat in Indie by Sirdar

Indie revs up for snowy days on the slopes this winter, in a popular flap style hat with twisted cords.  Pop in a dvd with a favorite Christmas classic, sit back and knit.  When the screen fades to black, your gift will be all set for wrapping.

Indie Wrap by Sirdar

Picture an Arizona sunset, that’s where the inspiration for this colourful wrap comes from.  Cast on thirty-one stitches with 12.00 mm needles and within a few hours, you are at the finish line, ready to cast off and sew on a big button. 

Girl's Beret in Indie by Sirdar

Floppy berets and slouchy tams are easy to wear and right in fashion with little divas.  Make one for someone sweet with rosy cheeks, or save the fun for after Christmas, and fill a gift basket with a couple balls of Indie, a pair of 12.00 mm needles, and Sirdar Book #385.  Over the holidays there will be lots of time to sit and teach tiny fingers how to knit and purl.

Handknit mittens are a special part of holiday tradition, bringing back childhood memories, the excitement of the first snowfall of the year, making lopsided snowmen in the backyard, snowball fights on the way to school, and lacing up those skates for Saturday afternoons at the ice rink.

Rekindle some of that nostalgia and give the gift of warmth with a thick and cosy pair of handmade mittens.  Iceberg by Katia is an extra bulky merino wool in a holly jolly choice of colours, the ideal mitten yarn with homespun charm.  For last minute gifters- this is a speedy project, two cups of hot chocolate, and you will finish this pair of mittens in one night!       

For that extra festive touch, tuck in a gift card from a favorite coffee shop, or a few freshly baked holiday treats wrapped in cellophane.  Hang a pair on the front door with a snip of greenery for a cheery welcome.  Its the homemade gifts that we appreciate so much.   

Raspberry Mittens

RASPBERRY MITTENS

Size:  Women’s Medium

Needles:  8.00 mm double pointed set

Tension:  9 sts and 14 rows = 4 in/10 cm in st st

Yarn:  2 balls Iceberg Col. #5554 by Katia

Left Mitten:  Cast on 16 sts, divide sts evenly onto 3 needles.  Join in round.  Work in K1/P1 ribbing for 8 rounds.  K 2 rounds.

Gussett:  KFB (Knit into Front and Back of next stitch), place marker on needle, K to last 2 sts, place marker on needle, KFB, K1.  K 2 rounds.  Rep these last 3 rounds until 22 sts on needles, working KFB into the st right before 1st marker and right after 2nd marker.

Thumb Opening:  K to last 3 sts, slip next 6 sts onto holder, **cast on 2 sts, place marker for beg of round, continue to K to endof round.  Divide sts as follows- 5 sts on 1st needle, 4 sts on 2nd needle, 9 stson 3rd needle.  Continue to K each round until work measures 4 in/10 cm from Thumb Opening. 

Shape Top:  (1st needle)- SL1, K1, PSSO, K across needle (2nd needle)-K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1 (3rd needle)- SL1, K1, PSSO, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.  K all stson next round.  Rep these last 2 rounds until 6 sts remain.  Cut yarn and thread through remaining sts, tighten and secure. 

Thumb:  Slip 6 sts from holder to needle, attach yarn, pick up and K 4 sts across opening, divide these sts onto 3 needles, Ktog last st from holder with 1st picked up st = 9 sts.  Continue to K each round until Thumb measures 2.5 in/6.5  cm.

Shape Thumb Top:  *K1, K2tog*, rep *to*.  Cut yarn and thread through remaining sts, tighten and secure. 

Right Mitten:  Work as Left Mitten until **.  Place marker for beg of round, cast on 2 sts, continue to K to end of round.  Divide sts as follows- 9 sts on 1st needle, 5 sts on 2nd needle, 4 sts on 3rd needle.  Continue to work as Left Mitten to end. 

(Design by:  Michele Meadows)

Every year around this time, after the pumpkin lights have burnt out and the candies are sorted, the newest and most ingenious novelty yarns start to appear on store shelves, each one trying to capture our attention in a huge way and become the next ‘it’ yarn out on the market. 

This year, Katia takes the wrap off an exciting trio of fancy scarf yarns- Rizos, Triana, and Ondas.  Each one unique and revolutionary in its manufacturing process and finished look.  These are futuristic ribbon yarns with stitches already built in along the edge, requiring little more than taking your knitting needle, lifting up a loop and slipping it through each stitch.  Amazing but true!  There is no yarn to wrap around the needle and draw through, it really is space age technology in a skein of yarn.  These three scarf yarns are poised and ready to take knitting to a new level, get ready for knitting on the edge!

Here is a look at what will be flying off the shelves very shortly at your LYS.  Which one will grab your attention and be the next ‘it’ yarn?

Rizos by Katia

Rizos is a flat one inch wide tape consisting of four complimentary shades all neatly striped and woven side by side, with built in loops at the top edge.  This is where the knitting needle is inserted to catch the edge and draw through the stitches.  By knitting every second loop on 5.00 mm needles, a ruffled scarf is created from just one skein.  This one sits high on the list of cosy neck warmers with ten shades to choose from, including burnt orange (above).  Free pattern to download:  Rizos Scarf

Ondas by Katia

Ondas is already causing quite a flurry on Ravelry, as knitters prepare to swoop in and catch the wave of the hottest scarf yarns before the store shelves are empty.  With its silky sheen and meshlike appearance which unfurls as you knit along, Ondas spirals into soft ripples.  Knit on 4.50 mm needles in a full spectrum of colour.  Choose from eighteen shades including magenta/lilac (above).  Free pattern to download:  Ondas Scarf

Triana by Katia

Triana first appears as a half inch wide ribbon in the ball, then amazingly stretches out to six times its width to reveal an intricate honeycomb grid.  Layer upon layer of cascading ruffles materialize as the scarf grows on 8.00 mm needles.  Take your pick from eleven colourways including seagreen/blue (above) or fire red (below).  Free pattern to download:  Triana Scarf

Just for fun, here is a ball of  Triana in fire red  ’on the needles’ and ready to knit as a test scarf. 

Triana Scarf

Triana Scarf almost finished

Two hours later, and the scarf  is just a few rows away from completion!  The finished effect is lovely, very lightweight, the layers fall into place nicely, and no tension issues to worry about, every knitter will get the same length as the stitches are already customized.  The extra bonus- no ends to sew in!

Final Verdict:  Grab this one quickly, its a sure winner for the scarf of the season!