Saturday, November 22, 2008

Cabled Koozie

Cabled what?! Yes, that's what they're called. Formerly lame and made out of foam....
They are now FABULOUS and knitted by you!


Materials:
Yarn: 40 yards bulky yarn. Yarn used in sample: Lamb's Pride Bulky.
Hook/Needles: Size J crochet hook, set of US size 10.5 DPNs OR two 24-inch US size 10.5 circular needles, 24 inches long OR one US size 10.5 circular needle, 32-40 inches long. You can knit this koozy in the round using whatever method you prefer: DPNs, two-circulars, or magic loop.

Using crochet hook, CH4. Join in a round with a sl st.
Round 1: Working into the circle, CH1, SC9 (9 sts total).
Round 2: CH1, 2SC in each sc (18 sts*).
Round 3: (SC in next sc, 2SC in next sc) around (27 sts).
*Note: this does not have to be exact. Just SC enough sts to make the circle lie flat.
This forms the bottom of the koozie.

Switching to DPNs or circular needle(s), place the st that was on the hook onto needle. This is your first knit st.
With RS facing, pick up and knit 23 sts evenly around (24 sts total). If you want to be fancy, pick up and K3, pick up and P4, (pick up and K4, pick up and P4) twice (24 sts).
Evenly distribute sts onto needles. Join for working in the round.
Rounds 1-2: (K4, P4) around.
Round 3: (C4L, P4) around.
Rounds 4-6: (K4, P4) around.
Repeat rounds 3-6 until koozie just reaches the point on a beer bottle where it begins to taper.
Decrease round: (K1, K2tog, K1, P1, P2tog, P1) around.
BO using a stretchy bind off such as: K2, *(sl 2 sts back to left needle, K2tog, K1), rep from * around. If you want to be fancy, bind of the knit sts knitwise and the purl sts purlwise.


I-cord edging: (This is probably more easily done using DPNs, but can also be done using the circular needles.) CO 2 onto DPN. Make I-cord long enough to wrap around the bottom of the koozie. Break yarn, leaving an 18-inch tail for sewing on the I-cord. Thread tail through rem sts and pull snug. Using tail, sew I-cord around base of koozie to provide stability and more of a solid, beer-stein look.

Finishing: Weave in ends. Block and let koozie dry on a beer bottle. Enjoy!


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Bulky Cabled Legwarmers with Buttons


Back by popular demand! These legwarmers are my modern take on the old standard. Quick, easy-to-follow, charted pattern for your knitting pleasure! Thank you to all of you who asked for the pattern back.


Here is a fun and hip pattern for you! Now you don’t need UGGs to be cool! Knit yourself or a friend a pair of fabulous, cabled, knee-high legwarmers! Finish off with chunky buttons and a twisted-cord tie.
This is a charted pattern that includes instructions for making the buttonholes, cables, and the twisted-cord ties.

The pattern is available for free on my blog. Click the link to get started!