Let’s knit a cabled cowl!

There is something about winter that makes me want to hunker down by the fire and knit. Here is a cabled cowl that I finished yesterday: (why I didn’t have a girl-scout-photography-badge-earning daughter take this shot I’ll never know, duh…)

I had never knit cables before but I have always wanted to try so the other day when my studio was freezing I decided to stay upstairs next to the fire and knit…I know, it’s a rough life huh? Here is a look at the cowl flat. I like to think of a cable pattern in columns, you have the two columns that are the cable braid and the 3 columns that are the seed stitch which serve 2 functions, it makes the cable design stand out and it makes the panel of fabric lay flat.

Knitting cables is really quite easy. Once you get through the first couple or rows you probably won’t have to look at the pattern again if you are making something rectangular like this. The way cables are made is by knitting a couple of stitches out-of-order every few rows. Confused? You won’t be after you watch this video:

So now you know what those funny little needles with the dips in the middle are used for LOL! After discovering that I could use my Denise Interchangeable needles as stitch holders for cabling I don’t think I will want those traditional cable needles anymore. The pattern I used to make this cowl can be found for free here. I shared some cabling tips with you in the above video, one tip was to use a cable cast on so your bottom edge of your fabric will be firm and sturdy. Here is how to do it as well as a demonstration of an easy cast on and an explanation of when to use which:

So, do you feel up to the challenge of knitting some cables? Cables are a bit like ribbing and can add curves and fit to a garment (perfect for us gals who have a little extra padding LOL!) as well as interest and detail. You can add cables to hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters and more. I think there is a pair of cabled leg warmers in my future! Have fun with it! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Knitting 101: Everything you need to know in an 11 minute video!

Seriously folks, knitting is that easy. I’ve been teaching children to knit at the local library for over a year now and I have really learned to simplify the process. If you are new this video is for you. If you are rusty have a look and be reminded of the techniques. If you think you are unteachable and could never get the hang of it try it again. You can pause the video whenever you like and rewind it until you get it right.  This video shows you how to cast on (CO), knit (k), purl (p), and (BO) bind off.  Not bad for 11 minutes eh? I have noted what times each technique is covered below the video so you can skip around if you need to.  So, are you ready to get knitty with it?

See, I told you it was easy! For quick reference here is when each technique is demonstrated:

• Slip Knot 1:04
• Cast On 1:30
• Knit Stitch 2:50
• Purl Stitch 5:10
• Bind Off 7:00

If you get stuck on a project you can just refer to the part of the video you need. You’re welcome! I hope you have some time this weekend to do a bit of knitting. If you have any questions just let me know. Did you know all of those fancy stitch patterns you see in knit wear is just a combinations of knits and purls, who’d a thunk it? Happy knitting and til next time happy crafting!