Pink Heart Rug Mug

Here’s a little coaster you can keep your coffee mug on. It's a great opportunity to practice knitting and purling backwards-as well as to use up leftover bits of yarn. Coasters and mug rugs can be knit in spare moments and a good way to use up spare yarn. They make excellent housewarming and hostess gifts and are easily customized.
The heart adds the perfect embellishment for this pattern. It'll make a great gift for anytime of year to let someone know you are thinking of them. As it’s Breast cancer awareness month i knitted this in a beautiful shade of pink.

Knitting needles, size 6
One skein cotton yarn colour of your choice (makes 6)
Gauge:
9 stitches = 2 inches (not critical)

Cast on 19 stitches. Knit three rows, then begin pattern.

 Instructions

Row 1: k9, p1, k9
Row 2: k2, p7, k1, p7, k2

Row 3: k8, p3, k8                                                                      
Row 4: k2, p6, k3, p6, k2
Row 5: k7, p5, k7
Row 6: k2, p5, k5, p5, k2
Row 7: k6, p7, k6
Row 8: k2, p4, k7, p4, k2
Row 9: k5, p9, k5
Row 10: k2, p3, k9, p3, k2
Row 11: k4, p11, k4
Row 12: k2, p2, k11, p2, k2
Row 13: k3, p13, k3
Row 14: k2, p1, k13, p1, k2
Row 15: k3, p6, k1, p6, k3
Row 16: k2, p1, k6, p1, k6, p1, k2
Row 17: k4, p4, k3, p4, k4
Row 18: k2, p2, k4, p3, k4, p2, k2
Row 19: knit across
 Row 20, k2, p15, k2

Knit 3 rows and cast off.

To make fringe cut yarn in 3inch strips fold in half and thread the loop through the stitches of the cast on and cast off edge, put the cut ends through the loop and pull tight.

  The heart pattern is reversable so it doesn't matter which side you choose.          

Because of its ability to hold a vast amount of water, wool is preferable for coasters and will actually protect furniture from moisture. If they will be used as mug rugs and not to catch condensation, any fiber can be used i chose to use a cotton yarn as i felt it was more sturdy, and it should be noted that synthetics tend to have little or no heat resistance compared to natural fibers.
Happy Knitting!
                                           

Pink Wave Keyhole Scarf

Lock in the warmth with this new scarf style that is comfortable and easy to wear when temperatures take a dip. A keyhole scarf is basically a scarf with a hole in it. One end of the scarf is put through the hole to keep it in place around your neck without being bulky. This Pink Wave Keyhole Scarf is a quick and easy knit scarf pattern and makes a great gift as the colder weather approaches.     


You Will Need:
100grms Double knit type yarn in Main colour
50grms Double knit type yarn in Contrast colour
Size 4mm needles.

Scarf
First Half
Cast on 36st in Main clour
Row 1 Knit
Row 2 Purl
Row 3 Knit
Row 4 Purl
Row 5 K2tog, 3 times,(yo,K1) 6 times, K2tog 6 times, (yo, K1) 6 times, K2tog 3 times
Row 6 Knit
These 6 rows form the pattern
Change to contrast colour and work 6 rows of pattern
Change to main colour and work 6 rows of pattern
Change to contrast colour and work 6 rows of pattern
Change to main colour and work 6 rows of pattern
( 3 'waves' in main colour and two in contrast)

Change to knit 2, Purl 2 Rib and work 8 rows.

Work Keyhole

Rib 18 sts place remaining 18 sts on holder.

Turn, working on these 18 sts only, continue in Rib

and work 22 rows, ending in middle of piece. Cut yarn and place sts on holder.

With right side facing, join yarn to 18 sts on holder. Rib for 22 rows, ending at side edge.

Turn, Rib18 sts, then Rib across 18 sts on holder.

Turn, Rib even until work measures 42 cm from the begining. Place stitches on holder.

Second Half

Cast on and work same as for first half of scarf, omitting keyhole.

Work even until piece measures same as first half.

FINISHING

Join with 3-Needle Bind off as follows:

Slip sts from first half onto knitting needle. With wrongsides facing, and points of both needles pointing to the right,

use spare needle to * knit the first st from the front

needle together with the first st from the back needle.

Knit the next st from each needle in the same manner, then bind off 1 st. Repeat from * until all sts have been bound off. Fasten off last st. Weave in yarn ends.

As this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I chose to knit this in pink and white. This scarf is a stylish way to show your support.

Enjoy Your knitting!

Easy Knit Pink Beret

The origin of the beret can be traced back to the Basques, (people living on both the French and Spanish sides of the Pyrenees Mountains). The original Basque beret was either navy blue or red, but today the beret is available in a wide array of colors. The beret fits snugly around the head, and can be "shaped" in a variety of ways – it is commonly worn pushed to one side (local custom usually prescribes which, but there is no universal rule) and can be worn by both men and women. Few items of clothing have been adopted by so many varied groups of people, living in different periods of history, as the beret. During World War II, the French Resistance movement, the Maquis, wore the Basque beret and because it was the most common French headwear, the Maquis was able to wear it without bringing undue suspicion to this covert operation.
The beret was then taken up by special forces, often with the suggestion of ‘undress’ uniform, such as USA Green Berets, Black Berets (USA Rangers), UN Blue Berets, Turkish Red Berets to name but a few.

Che Guevara, a hero of the Cuban revolution, made the beret a worldwide symbol of the revolutionary guerilla fighter. The Guardian Angels, a vigilante group who patrols the subways and streets of some of the world’s major cities, wear red berets. In fashion the beret is part of the popular stereotype of intellectuals, film directors, artists (particularly painters), hipsters, bohemians and beatniks. The Rastafari movement often wear a knitted or crocheted black beret with red, gold, and green circles atop their dreadlocks. They consider the beret and dreadlocks to be symbols of the biblical covenant of God with his chosen people, the black Israelites. The circular flat shape of the wool, felt or cotton beret can be sporty when worn close to the head facing forward or jaunty when tipped to the side; when pulled down to cover all or part of the forehead, it is more dramatic. Inexpensive and hardy, berets are available in a range of style variations, colors, and sizes.

If you want to get ahead in the style stakes this winter, then don't get a hat, get a beret! Berets are big hits this season. Recently, a long line of celebrity A-listers have been seen sporting a beret, from Beyoncé, Sienna Miller, Cameron Diaz, Rhianna, Fergie, Madonna to Kylie Minogue.


choosing how to wear it is very much a matter of taste. Experiment with jaunty angles and if it feels right for you, then go for it!
The best thing about wearing a beret, apart from giving the impression that you have a sense of fun, is that it suits most face shapes and transcends all age groups.

I chose a soft boucle type yarn in a Pale Rose Pink shade as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this is a great way to show your support.

Beret:
Tension 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm (4ins) Size 5mm needles.

Abbreviations;
K - Knit
P - Purl
M1 - Make one extra stitch by knitting front and back of the stitch
K2tog - Knit 2 stitches together


Cast on 82 sts.
Work 4 rows in (K2. P2) ribbing  inc 3 sts evenly across last row. 85 sts.
Proceed as follows:

1st row: (RS). Knit.
2nd and alt rows: Purl.
3rd row: K1. (M1. K14) 6 times. 91 sts.
5th row: K1. (M1. K15) 6 times. 97 sts.
7th row: K1. (M1. K16) 6 times. 103 sts.
Cont in this manner, inc 6 sts as before on every alt row until there are 115 sts.
Work 4 rows even in stocking st.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K17) 6 times. 109 sts.
Next and every alt row: Purl.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K16) 6 times. 103 sts.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K15) 6 times. 97 sts.
Cont in this manner, dec 6 sts as before on every alt row to 31 sts. Purl 1 row.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K3) 6 times. 26 sts.
Break yarn leaving a long end. Thread yarn through rem sts. Draw up tightly and fasten securely. Sew back seam.

The main hat trend of this season is a beret. I guess berets will always be in fashion. They can become narrower or wider but they are invariably popular among women all over the world.

'Pink Bubbles' Scarf

As Knitting Galore is 'Going Pink In October' Breast Cancer Awareness Month I chose a pink multi yarn to knit this scarf.
Get ready for colder weather with a scarf that's bold and stylish! Allow me to present this funky 'Pink Bubbles' Scarf created with straight knitting needles (and a little attitude).
Don't you love the great texture? This is a skinny scarf of 'bubbles' that are created by increasing and decreasing at regular intervals, approx 2” wide at widest point and the side edges curl under.The tassels are encased within the first and last bubble.

MATERIALS

100gm Aran type yarn
Straight knitting needles, size 9 (5.50 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE

GAUGE
18 sts = 4”;  22 rows = 4” in St st

PATTERN STITCH

Row 1 (RS):  * K3 tog, rep from * across – 10 sts.
Row 2:  Purl.
Row 3:  Knit.
Row 4:  Purl.
Row 5:  * K in front, back, then front of next st, rep from * across – 30 sts.
Row 6:  Purl.
Row 7:  Knit.
Row 8:  Purl.
Rep these 8 rows for Pat St.
SCARF

With straight needles, cast on 30 sts. 
 Work even in St st for 4 rows, end on WS. 
 Work even in Pat St until piece measures approximately 54” from beg, end on Row 8. 
 Bind off.

FINISHING

Sew side edges of cast-on end of scarf tog up to second narrow stripe.  Repeat on bound-off end.

Tassels (Make 2):  Cut eighty 8” long strands of yarn and two 16” long strands.  Put shorter strands tog and tie in the center with one longer strand.  Thread ends of long strand into tapestry needle; insert ends into cast-on end of scarf and through second narrow stripe from the inside out.  Pull tassel into sewn end of scarf so that cast-on end of scarf fits down over top of tassel.  Wrap ends of strand in tapestry needle around scarf several times and fasten off securely.  Pull end of scarf down over top of tassel as far as possible.  Wrap second 16” long strand around first narrow stripe tightly and fasten off securely.  The cast-on end of scarf will roll back slightly giving the appearance of a ruffled edge.  Repeat on the bound-off end of scarf with second tassel.

A lot of new knitters start their knitting careers by knitting scarves as they are easy to knit and provide an excellent project to practice their knitting techniques on. Knitting this scarf will not only give you the perfect opportunity to gain knitting experience but you'll have a stylish fashion accessory too. A scarf has the dual benefit of both shielding you against extreme weather conditions, as well as giving you that added sparkle.

Knitting Galore's Going Pink For October

This is my first blog as part of the Ultimate Blog Challenge - a blog post every day of the month October.

Today is the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month celebrating 26years of Awareness, Education and Empowerment. Over the next four weeks much of the knitting in my blog will be in pink  to Show support to those suffering from , and in rememberance of those who lost the fight to breast cancer. It’s a sad fact that most of us know someone that is or has been affected by breast cancer. Every year 50,000 people in the UK alone hear the devastating words ‘You have breast cancer.' Please take charge of your own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes and schedule regular visits and annual mammograms with your healthcare provider. Nobody knows your breast like you do so you are the best person to notice any changes and being breast aware is easy.Just follow the 5 point code: 1.Know what is normal for you. 2.Know what to look and feel for. 3. look and feel. 4.Report anychanges to you GP immediately. 5. Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness and the colour pink in general, espcially when worn throughout the month of October, expresses moral support for women with breast cancer. When you think of the colour pink most think feminine,it brings to mind mind  traditional feminine roles, of caring for other people, being beautiful,  being good and the pink ribbon it's self represents a fear of breast cancer, hope for the future,the charitable goodness of people and businesses who publicly support the breast cancer movement. It is intended to evoke solidarity with women who currently have breast cancer.The first time a pink ribbon  was used in connection with breast cancer awareness was in  1991, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. The pink ribbon was adopted as the official symbol of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month the year after, in 1992 and  was derived from the popular red ribbon for AIDS awareness.

 A pink and blue ribbon is sometimes used to symbolise breast cancer in men, which is relatively rare. The pink and blue ribbon was designed in 1996  to bring awareness that "Men Get Breast Cancer Too!"

As i said earlier most of knitting featured in my blog during this month will be knitted in the colour pink and apart from sharing with you a variety of knitting patterns hopefully i will give you some ideas you can use on  Wear it Pink day which is Friday 26th October 2012 to wear in honour of those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

There are so many beautiful yarns in many many shades of pink on the market and i will using just a few.

Happy knitting! and for this month Go Pink!

Soft, Elegant and Stylish Chemo Cap

Hand-knitted chemotherapy hats are needed to help cancer patients during one of the most difficult parts of their treatment. Many patients face the heart wrenching side effect of chemotherapy hair loss during treatments meant to help them recover. Not only must these cancer patients face a life-threatening illness, they must also learn to deal with seeing a different person in the mirror. Wearing special chemo caps can help suddenly bald cancer patients feel like themselves again. Hats fend off the cold, as well as unwelcome stares. But, many cancer patients have a hard time finding hats that work. Hats sold at retail stores are often scratchy to bare skin because they are designed to be worn over a full head of hair. Also, standard headgear often fails to cover the entire back of the head, exposing the skin to the cold and making baldness obvious. Worse still: a lot of hats sold at retail stores contain wool, which can be harmful to highly sensitive cancer patients. What these patients need are chemotherapy hats designed just for their situation. Attractive, hand-knitted chemo hats for cancer patients allow them to go out in public feeling less self-conscious or cold. When cancer patients receive handmade chemo caps, they know that someone cares. During a time in a cancer patient's life when everything else seems to be falling apart, your caring can make a world of difference. It is best to use soft yarns, such as those made out of cotton,  "Baby" yarns make a good choice for chemotherapy hats, since they tend to be soft and light. Avoid using any yarn that contains wool in your chemo caps, as it can be harmful to some cancer patients.

I chose a pink multi soft baby double knit type yarn for this cap.

FINISHED SIZE
About 20¼" (51.5 cm) in circumference.
NEEDLES
 size U.S. 8 (5 mm).
Adjust needle size if necessary to
obtain the correct gauge.
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

Cast on loosely 92sts
Row 1 Knit
Row 2 Purl
Row 3 k1, *yo, k2tog repeat from * to last st k1
Row 4 Knit
Row 5 purl 1 stitch from needle and corresponding stitch from cast on row  purl both together to form picot edge  see photo

Knit 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
Eyelet row: K1, *yo, k2tog repeat from *to last stitch k1
Next row  purl
Continue in stockinette stitch until work measures 14cm  from last row of picot edge.

Shape Crown
ROW 1: (RS) *K7, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—81 sts rem.
ROW 2: AND ALL WS Rows : Purl.
ROW 3: *K6, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—71 sts rem.
ROW 5: *K5, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—61 sts rem.
ROW 7: *K4, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—51 sts rem.
ROW 9: *K3, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—41 sts rem.
ROW 11: *K2, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—31 sts rem.
ROW 13: *K1, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—21 sts rem.
ROW 15: *K2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—11 sts rem.
Break yarn, thread tail through rem sts, draw
tight to close hole, and fasten off on WS.
Finishing
Block as desired. Weave in loose ends. With yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, use a backstitch
or mattress st to sew seam make sure seam is soft to avoid rubbing on sensitive skin. Beg and end at
seam, thread ribbon through eyelets, and secure in place with a few stitches using sharp-point sewing needle and matching thread. Trim ends of ribbon as desired.

Make 3 Flowers or more if desired.

Cast on 4 stitches.

Row 1. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 3 (5sts)

Row 2. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, purl 4 (6sts)
Row 3. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 5 (7sts)
Row 4. Knit front & back of 1st stitch purl 6 (8sts). Cut yarn leaving a 4’’ tail and leave on a spare needle.
Repeat 4 more times but do not cut yarn on last petal
Row 5. Join all petals by knitting across (40 sts)
Row 6. Purl 2 together across row (20 sts)
Row 7. Knit 2 together across row (10sts)
Row 8. Purl 2 together, purl 3 together, prul 2 together, purl 3 together
Thread yarn through stitches and pull tight.
You can finish off flowers by adding beads, buttons or anything you wish in the center as shown in photo. All flowers can be made smaller or larger by using finer or thicker yarn and needles.

Arrange on hat as desired and sew into place.

Making caps and brightening the lives of people who are suffering from the ravages of cancer is such a small thing to do, but the results have a big impact on the patients. Why not donate your chemotherapy hats to the patients that need them. Look in your phone book to find hospitals or cancer organizations in your area and give them a call to see if they are accepting cancer hat donations.

A little time and a little yarn go along way in making someone's life just a little bit better !

 Remembering October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Adult Headband / Ear Warmer

This headband will keep your ears warm when the outside temperature starts to drop. You can also adapt these instructions to make a lighter, thinner headband that can be worn in warm weather to hold your hair off your face. This pattern is suitable for novice knitters, takes very little time to make (within an hour, you can have a beautiful headband completed) and, again a good use of leftover yarn as it uses very little.  Headbands make wonderful gifts or party favors for girls.

You will need:
1 Ball boucle or aran type yarn
4mm needles
Cast on 80sts
Work 4 rows k2, p2 rib
With right side facing
Row 5: knit
Row 6: purl to last 5 sts, turn
Row 7: knit to last 5 sts, turn
Row 8: Purl to last 7 sts, turn
Row 9: knit to last 7 sts, turn
Row 10: purl to last 9 sts, turn
Row 11: knit to last 9 sts, turn
Row 12: purl to last 11 sts, turn
Row 13: knit to last 11 sts, turn
Row 14: purl to last 9 sts, turn
Row 15: knit to last 9 sts, turn
Row 16: purl to last 7 sts, turn
Row 17: knit to last 7 sts, turn
Row 18: purl to last 5 sts, turn
Row 19: knit to last 5 sts, turn
Row 20: purl
Row 21: knit

Work 4 rows k2,p2 rib
Cast off.
Stitch sides together.

Bow
Cast on 15 sts work in stockinette stich until measures 8 iches.
Cast off.
Sew cast on edge and cast off edge together.
Wrap yarn around centre to create bow shape and sew to smallest part of band.

Alternatively, you can make knit or crochet flowers For Flower pattern see 'No green Thumb Required' post on this blog.


If you want something more decorative, you can change yarns either randomly or in a more structured pattern for a striped band. You could also try some new styles of knitting, such as this lace stitch. You can also do embroidery stitches to decorate.
This was knitted in pink as this month is Breast cancer Awareness Month.

Cosy Pink Slippers

Make these super cute slippers and lounge around the house. These thick and cosy slippers are easy and quick to knit. You'll love padding around the house in them and they'll keep your toes toasty warm.

You Will Need:

2 skeins of Chunky type yarn any color. I chose pink as it's breast cancer awareness month.
Size 10  (6mm)knitting needles, large plastic needle, regular sewing needle and thread and 2 decorative buttons. This makes one pair of slippers.

Tension 4 sts  and 6 rows (3 garter stitch ridges) = 1 inch

Available in small, medium and large size

Outer Moc:
Cast on 29 (35-41) sts
Row 1: Knit across.
Row 2: K9(11-13), *P1,K9(11-13), repeat from *once more.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until  30 (34-38) rows have been knit.

Shape Toe:
Row 1: P1, *K1,P1, repeat from *across row
Row 2: K1, *P1,K1, repeat from *across row
Repeat these 2 rows until you have 12 rows (14-16) then work row 1 once more, cut off yarn leaving an 8” end.

Finishing:
 Draw 8” end through remaining sts and pull up tightly, then sew with large plastic needle from beginning of ribbing to form toe. Fold cast one edge in half and sew inside seam for center back. Make 2 pom-poms and tie to each front side tightly and knot to inside of slipper or decoration of your choice, buttons, ribbons etc.

Here in Turkey parents teach their children that it’s polite to take off your shoes when entering someone’s house. When they arrive at home,  visit grandma, go to a friend’s house, infact whenever they enter someone’s house, the first thing to do is look for a place to put your shoes.

It's a custom you become so used to it you just do it automatically whitout even questioning it. They even put a little shoe rack by the door, so it’s obvious where the shoes should go.  Think about all the surfaces your shoes come into contact during the day. The sidewalk, the parking lot, public bathrooms…not exactly some of the cleanest places on earth. Taking off your shoes keeps all that dirt, grime, and germs outside where it belongs and not tracked all over the house. So i supose it only makes sense. In most houses the family keeps some extra pairs of slippers ('terlik' in Turkish) for their guest to wear. Which is one of the reasons i decided to knit these slippers, so i would always have a supply on hand for guests and they can easily be tossed into the washing machine after guests leave also i keep a pair in my bag so when i am visiting i have my own slippers.(not keen on wearing someone else's :) )

Try knitting these today!

Winter Fashion Statement - The Beret

The origin of the beret can be traced back to the Basques, (people living on both the French and Spanish sides of the Pyrenees Mountains). The original Basque beret was either navy blue or red, but today the beret is available in a wide array of colors. The beret fits snugly around the head, and can be "shaped" in a variety of ways – it is commonly worn pushed to one side (local custom usually prescribes which, but there is no universal rule) and can be worn by both men and women. Few items of clothing have been adopted by so many varied groups of people, living in different periods of history, as the beret. During World War II, the French Resistance movement, the Maquis, wore the Basque beret and because it was the most common French headwear, the Maquis was able to wear it without bringing undue suspicion to this covert operation.
The beret was then taken up by special forces, often with the suggestion of ‘undress’ uniform, such as USA Green Berets, Black Berets (USA Rangers), UN Blue Berets, Turkish Red Berets to name but a few.

Che Guevara, a hero of the Cuban revolution, made the beret a worldwide symbol of the revolutionary guerilla fighter. The Guardian Angels, a vigilante group who patrols the subways and streets of some of the world’s major cities, wear red berets. In fashion the beret is part of the popular stereotype of intellectuals, film directors, artists (particularly painters), hipsters, bohemians and beatniks. The Rastafari movement often wear a knitted or crocheted black beret with red, gold, and green circles atop their dreadlocks. They consider the beret and dreadlocks to be symbols of the biblical covenant of God with his chosen people, the black Israelites. The circular flat shape of the wool, felt or cotton beret can be sporty when worn close to the head facing forward or jaunty when tipped to the side; when pulled down to cover all or part of the forehead, it is more dramatic. Inexpensive and hardy, berets are available in a range of style variations, colors, and sizes.

If you want to get ahead in the style stakes this winter, then don't get a hat, get a beret! Berets are big hits this season. Recently, a long line of celebrity A-listers have been seen sporting a beret, from Beyoncé, Sienna Miller, Cameron Diaz, Rhianna, Fergie, Madonna to Kylie Minogue.


choosing how to wear it is very much a matter of taste. Experiment with jaunty angles and if it feels right for you, then go for it!
The best thing about wearing a beret, apart from giving the impression that you have a sense of fun, is that it suits most face shapes and transcends all age groups.

I chose a soft boucle type yarn in a Pale Rose Pink shade as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this is a great way to show your support.

Beret:
Tension 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm (4ins) Size 5mm needles.

Abbreviations;
K - Knit
P - Purl
M1 - Make one extra stitch by knitting front and back of the stitch
K2tog - Knit 2 stitches together


Cast on 82 sts.
Work 4 rows in (K2. P2) ribbing  inc 3 sts evenly across last row. 85 sts.
Proceed as follows:

1st row: (RS). Knit.
2nd and alt rows: Purl.
3rd row: K1. (M1. K14) 6 times. 91 sts.
5th row: K1. (M1. K15) 6 times. 97 sts.
7th row: K1. (M1. K16) 6 times. 103 sts.
Cont in this manner, inc 6 sts as before on every alt row until there are 115 sts.
Work 4 rows even in stocking st.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K17) 6 times. 109 sts.
Next and every alt row: Purl.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K16) 6 times. 103 sts.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K15) 6 times. 97 sts.
Cont in this manner, dec 6 sts as before on every alt row to 31 sts. Purl 1 row.
Next row: K1. (K2tog. K3) 6 times. 26 sts.
Break yarn leaving a long end. Thread yarn through rem sts. Draw up tightly and fasten securely. Sew back seam.

The main hat trend of this season is a beret. I guess berets will always be in fashion. They can become narrower or wider but they are invariably popular among women all over the world.

Easy Knit Fingerless Gloves

This is one easy knit fingerless glove pattern and will only take you a couple hours to finish. A good Project for a beginner, they work up quickly so they are a lovely idea for a last minute gift. In the winter, you always want to keep your hands warm but wearing normal gloves makes it difficult to use your fingers. With this simple knit, you can keep your hands warm and still search through your purse easily.When it's cold, knitted fingerless gloves can be perfect for wearing around the house, particularly for those with poor circulation in the hands. These gloves will keep your hands toasty while allowing you to do everything from using a keyboard to reading a book or doing housework. If you want to save on heating bills, fingerless gloves can make a house that is a degree or two cooler feel as cozy as if you bumped up the thermostat.
Aside from the many practical uses, fingerless gloves are also worn as a fashion statement. Goth, rock, and to a lesser extent hip hop or rap enthusiasts sometimes wear fingerless gloves for their tough, rebellious look. Punk rocker Billy Idol is probably best known for making fingerless gloves a fashion statement in the 1980s, when he performed hard-hitting punk anthems like, White wedding and Rebel Yell sporting classic black leather fingerless gloves.

 These are knitted on Straight knitting needles size 4mm usng a worsted  weight type yarn which is a medium width smooth yarn. This type of  yarn is very popular with novice knitters since it is easy to work with, and knitters can follow their stitches and patterns very easily with worsted weight yarn. It also yields smooth, warm products with a hefty feel to them.

 Instructions:

Cast on 36 stitches
k2,p2 ribbing for 3 inches.
Next row is a knit row, increase 4 stitches evenly, (40sts).
Purl one row
Knit one row.
Thumb increase: purl 18 stitches, in the next stitch purl in the back and front ( increase), purl 2, purl in back and front of next st, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
2nd increase= purl 18 st. purl back and front of next st, purl 4 stitches, purl back and front of next st  purl 18 stitches.
 knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
3rd increase= purl 18 stitches, increase one in the next as above, purl 6 stitches, increase one, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
4th increase= purl 18 stitches, increase one in the next stitch, purl 8 stitches, increase one, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
5th increase= purl 18 stitches, increase one, purl 10 stitches, increase one, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row ,
purl 1 row.
knit18 stitches and put them on a holder,
knit 14 stitches and leave them on the needle,
place remaining 18 stitches on a second holder.
work the thumb= purl 1 row, knit 1 row and purl 1 row, then work k2,p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind them off.
pick up and 18 stitches from 1st holding needle, purl 1 row, knit 1 row, purl 1 row. k2, p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind off.
Pick up  18 stitches from second holding needle. Knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row, purl 1 row. K2, p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind off. sew seams together using your preferred method.                                                                                        

I chose to knit these in a pale pink as October is Breast awareness month . These are a great way to Show your support.

'Pink Bubbles' Scarf

Get ready for colder weather with a scarf that's bold and stylish! Allow me to present this funky 'Pink Bubbles' Scarf created with straight knitting needles (and a little attitude).
Don't you love the great texture? The bright and warm colour also helps to make this beauty perfect for the autumn.This is a skinny scarf of 'bubbles' that are created by increasing and decreasing at regular intervals, approx 2” wide at widest point and the side edges curl under.The tassels are encased within the first and last bubble.

MATERIALS

100gm Aran type yarn
Straight knitting needles, size 9 (5.50 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE

GAUGE
18 sts = 4”;  22 rows = 4” in St st

PATTERN STITCH

Row 1 (RS):  * K3 tog, rep from * across – 10 sts.
Row 2:  Purl.
Row 3:  Knit.
Row 4:  Purl.
Row 5:  * K in front, back, then front of next st, rep from * across – 30 sts.
Row 6:  Purl.
Row 7:  Knit.
Row 8:  Purl.
Rep these 8 rows for Pat St.
SCARF

With straight needles, cast on 30 sts. 
 Work even in St st for 4 rows, end on WS. 
 Work even in Pat St until piece measures approximately 54” from beg, end on Row 8. 
 Bind off.

FINISHING

Sew side edges of cast-on end of scarf tog up to second narrow stripe.  Repeat on bound-off end.

Tassels (Make 2):  Cut eighty 8” long strands of yarn and two 16” long strands.  Put shorter strands tog and tie in the center with one longer strand.  Thread ends of long strand into tapestry needle; insert ends into cast-on end of scarf and through second narrow stripe from the inside out.  Pull tassel into sewn end of scarf so that cast-on end of scarf fits down over top of tassel.  Wrap ends of strand in tapestry needle around scarf several times and fasten off securely.  Pull end of scarf down over top of tassel as far as possible.  Wrap second 16” long strand around first narrow stripe tightly and fasten off securely.  The cast-on end of scarf will roll back slightly giving the appearance of a ruffled edge.  Repeat on the bound-off end of scarf with second tassel.

A lot of new knitters start their knitting careers by knitting scarves as they are easy to knit and provide an excellent project to practice their knitting techniques on. Knitting this scarf will not only give you the perfect opportunity to gain knitting experience but you'll have a stylish fashion accessory too. A scarf has the dual benefit of both shielding you against extreme weather conditions, as well as giving you that added sparkle.


As it's October Breast Cancer Awareness Month I chose a pink multi yarn to knit this scarf.

Think Pink

This is my first blog as part of the Ultimate Blog Challenge - a blog post every day of the month October.

Today is the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month celebrating 25years of Awareness, Education and Empowerment. Over the next four weeks all knitting in my blog will be in pink  to Show support to those suffering from , and in rememberance of those who lost the fight to breast cancer. It’s a sad fact that most of us know someone that is or has been affected by breast cancer. Every year 50,000 people in the UK alone hear the devastating words ‘You have breast cancer.' Please take charge of your own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes and schedule regular visits and annual mammograms with your healthcare provider. Nobody knows your breast like you do so you are the best person to notice any changes and being breast aware is easy.Just follow the 5 point code: 1.Know what is normal for you. 2.Know what to look and feel for. 3. look and feel. 4.Report anychanges to you GP immediately. 5. Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness and the colour pink in general, espcially when worn throughout the month of October, expresses moral support for women with breast cancer. When you think of the colour pink most think feminine,it brings to mind mind  traditional feminine roles, of caring for other people, being beautiful,  being good and the pink ribbon it's self represents a fear of breast cancer, hope for the future,the charitable goodness of people and businesses who publicly support the breast cancer movement. It is intended to evoke solidarity with women who currently have breast cancer.The first time a pink ribbon  was used in connection with breast cancer awareness was in  1991, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. The pink ribbon was adopted as the official symbol of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month the year after, in 1992 and  was derived from the popular red ribbon for AIDS awareness.

 A pink and blue ribbon is sometimes used to symbolise breast cancer in men, which is relatively rare. The pink and blue ribbon was designed in 1996  to bring awareness that "Men Get Breast Cancer Too!"

As i said earlier all knitting featured in my blog during this month will be knitted in the colour pink and apart from sharing with you a variety of knitting patterns hopefully i will give you some ideas you can use on  Wear it Pink day which is  28th October 2011.To wear in honour of those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

There are so many beautiful yarns in many many shades of pink on the market and i will using just a few.

Happy knitting! and for this month Think Pink!