So you have seen the myriad of beautiful beaded shawls, but shawls aren’t your ‘thing’? You love knitting socks? But have you tried adding beads to your socks? Ok, so at least a few of you have read that and … Continue reading
When I was learning to knit I received lots of advice about working with good quality yarn. I read articles about working with natural fibres, but those were not what my local haberdashery stocked. So, of course I ploughed on with my … Continue reading
Whilst almost any bead can be applied to your knitted project using the crochet hook method, for the purpose of this tutorial we are discussing glass seed beads. Glass seed beads are a wonderful choice, they come in a variety … Continue reading
This pattern is no longer available for free, but can be purchased via Ravelry
I mentioned a while back that I have been busy working on a mini collection of sock patterns, well it is nearly here. You may have seen some of pictures of yarn and beads on my social media pages and the fun I have been having choosing which beads, for which yarn…..
In readiness for it’s release I have designed a FREE sock pattern to entice you try beading with a crochet hook for yourselves. These beautiful cable and bead socks are simple to knit yet stunning to look at! New to beading with a cable needle? Fear not there are tutorials included in the pattern. (Be warned though, once you start you will be adding beads to all your projects!)
Not a fan of beads? Simply omit the beads and you will still have yourself a pair of very pretty socks.
For a limited period only you can download this pattern for FREE if you sign up to my newsletter here
To knit these socks, you will need to be familiar with top down socks construction with a heel flap.
Be able to;
sl 1 – slip next stitch purlwise
ktbl -knit next st through back loop, twisting stitch
ssk – slip 1, slip 1, knit these 2 slipped sts together
k2tog – knit next two stitches together to decrease one stitch
yo – yarn over
CDD – slip next two stitches together as if to knit, knit next stitch, pass slipped sts over
Bead (see ‘Knitting with beads’ instructions included in pattern)
Yarn:
Cascade Heritage Solids, shade 5649, Iris, (one 100g skein). 75% merino, 25% nylon. 100g/400m/436yds
Needles:
Double pointed 2.5mm (US 1.5) US or circular needles for working in the round
Crochet hook:
0.75mm (USA 13) for beading only
Also needed:
Size 6 seed beads, Debbie Abrahams, Colour 337 (approx. 72 beads)
Stitch markers
Cable needle
Tension:
32 sts x 46 rows = 10cm x 10cm (4 in x 4 in) using 2.5mm needles and stocking stitch (blocked)
To save time, take time to check gauge.
Pattern Notes:
The pattern uses the crochet hook method of apply beads. (Beads can easily be omitted from this design).
Sizing Notes:
The large cables make the sock a snug fit, if you are between sizes in the chart below, I suggest you opt for the larger size.
To choose the best fit, measure the foot around the widest point of the foot and knit the size closest to the ‘to fit foot circumference’ size.
Finished foot circumference: 18.5 cm / 7.25 in (20 cm / 8 in, 21.5 cm / 8.5 in, 23 cm / 9 in)
To fit foot circumference: 20 cm / 8 in (21.5 cm / 8.5 in, 23 cm / 9 in, 24.5 cm / 9.5 in)
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I would love to see your finished projects on my Ravelry page…
Silly Season was the perfect excuse to have some fun with this Donkey sweater. A stocking stitch body and moss stitch cuffs and collar means this cutie won’t take long to knit. The real magic is in the long flowing mane, created using tassels, and there’s a handy pouch pocket in the front for storing carrots. But my favourite element to this design, the ears, adorable!
This would make a great nativity costume for a little one, or just an extra funky Christmas sweater.
The pattern is written to fit chest sizes 53 – 73.5cm which is approx. 1-11 years old.
To knit this you will need:
I look forward to seeing your finished projects.
Happy Knitting,
Who can resist a little person in a cute knit? Not me! I am a tiny bit addicted to reindeers this year, you may have seen one or two pop up in some of my designs. I was looking for a way to add a touch of festive to a simple sweater and it hit me….. REINDEER.
This cute sweater is a classic drop shoulder construction, worked from the bottom up. The pockets are worked separately, you can either work them using the intarsia method. Or if you fancy giving swiss darning (or duplicate stitch as it sometimes known) a try, then this is the perfect project for you.
The pattern is written to fit chest sizes 53 – 73.5cm, which is approx. 12 months to 11 years.
To knit this you will need:
You can find the pattern inside issue 141 of Simply Knitting magazine.
As always I would love to see your finished projects.
Happy Knitting,
The answer, deadlines! I find it hard to believe that issue 100 of Let’s Knit magazine has been released already. I have been designing for the magazine since issue 3 and that seems like only yesterday. I was thrilled when Sarah Neal, LK Editor asked me if I would like to design a mascot for the celebration 100th issue. Meet Cecily, you can collect your copy of the pattern for FREE from any of the participating yarn shops. You can find a list here on the LK website. Hurry though the pattern is only available until 9th January.
My first design for LK were socks, his and hers cable socks called Twist. Little did I know then that socks would become my addiction!
Issue 100 features two designs from me, a Christmas bauble inspired hat and a mega mega chunky scarf that Lenny Kravitz would be proud of.
Santa’s Little Helper is a beanie style hat with a silver topper. The pattern is written to fit head circumference 40.5 (45.5, 50.5, 56) cm, that is approx. 6 months to 12 years old.
This hat is sure to bring a smile to those around 🙂
To knit this hat you will need:
Think Big is a supervised chunky scarf worked in Stylecraft Swift Knit on size 10mm needles, this scarf knits up quick and keeps your lap really cosy as you work on it! It is an impressive 3m long, without the fringe and will put the wow into wow factor. The pockets are worked separately an sewn on afterwards, making this a very simple knit.
To knit this scarf you will need:
I hope you have enjoyed these project and the little stroll down memory lane. I look forward to the next 100 issues of Let’s Knit Magazine and would like to say thank you to Sarah Neal and the team for all the support they have shown me over the years.
I am always looking for new things and new ways to yarn bomb the everyday objects around the house. The silly season is the perfect opportunity to take things to a new level of daft, all in the name of Christmas!
Dressed up in their festive finery they’ll look just fabulous on a windowsill or table, planted with a small conifer or poinsettia (what a great gift!)
I designed these festively themed flower pot covers for Simply Knitting magazine and you can find the pattern inside issue 139.
For the Santa pot you will need:
As always I would love to see your finished projects,
Happy Knitting,
I may have mentioned once or twice that I love my job. I love the random nature of the projects I am asked to design. Recently I was asked by
the lovely editor of Let’s Knit Magazine if I would like to design a licensed Miffy soft toy. Well that was a silly question, the answer was always going to be yes! I adore Miffy, my children were force-fed a diet of Miffy stories, but yet when it came down to getting every detail correct, there was one question I did not know the answer to…… Does Miffy wear pants? As you can imagine this resulted in a few humorous emails between me and my editor, the answer was this….
You can find my Miffy pattern inside issue 99 of Let’s Knit magazine.
I would love to see your finished projects on my Facebook page.
Happy Knitting, Jane x
Today marks the beginning of a new adventure in my designing career. I have been designing for over seven years now and have been very fortunate to have over 250 designs published in the UK knitting magazines. But today I am taking my first steps in the big wide world of self publishing. I have republished a number of patterns where the rights have reverted to me. But starting from scratch with a self published design, getting it ‘out there’ as they say is very much new to me.
I like to learn new skills and push myself, self publishing is proving to be a great driving force to learn new things, and learn new things at speed! Pattern layout, page design, photography, copy writing, test knitting, tech editing, promotion and mailing lists, yes they keep you busy. I have found that other designers are wonderful generous human beings who are happy to help and share their knowledge and I don’t think I could have got this far with out their help.
My first self published pattern is….. Lacy Leftovers.
These easy going cuff down socks are just perfect for using up those tiny balls of left over sock yarn, even those highly variegated ones, the ones that you are never quite sure what to do with! The simple two row repeating lace pattern, is both written and charted and the ‘ribbed’ nature of the fabric makes getting a good fit effortless.
The pattern is written in five sizes, to cater from older children to the man in your life. Dare I say these socks would make fantastic thrifty knitted gifts.
The pattern has been tech edited and test knit, please check out the other projects to see just how differently other people have used their leftovers. Some have used only one skein of variegated or striped yarn. Whilst others have combined a solid colour with variegated for stunning results.
Now you can truly indulge your sock knitting passion, using every last scrap of yarn (and not a sock yarn blanket in sight).
If you would like to sign up for my newsletter, you will receive a 50% off discount code which you can use against the purchase of any of my designs, including Lacy Leftovers!
I would love to see your finished sock over in my Ravelry Group
