Thursday, September 29, 2011

Pioneer Logo Knitting Chart

Guest Designer Joy S. Grape is back with another design for ChemKnits!

When Joy told me that she was making a Pioneer chart, I didn't really know what it meant. I wasn't sure if she was referencing the people, a game, or a company. (I now know that Pioneer is a seed company.) Even though the chart is based on a logo, I think the design has many great elements that could be converted into many different knitting projects.

When I asked Joy about the significance of the Pioneer knitting chart, she said, "I was involved in a joint project with Pioneer (the seed company) and I had to spend a week at one of their research facilities. The girl who was assigned to work with me had the most amazing work ethic ever- once we actually stayed until after 3am, and the next day she got in trouble from her boss for it! I felt like I owed her something after that. I don't know that much about her tastes, but I know her favorite color is blue and she carries a huge travel mug of coffee everywhere. Knitting a cozy seemed more fun and personal than just sending her a Starbucks gift certificate or something. I just mailed it the other day. I hope she doesn't think I'm a weirdo." Joy, I'm sure that she'll treasure this gift. I agree that a personalized, hand knit gift is a much more personal gift than a gift card.


Pioneer Logo Chart - 23 x 28 sts

As for the Coffee Cozy, Joy doesn't remember the pattern she used, but I have a list of many free coffee cozy knitting patterns that you can use to create your own Pioneer Logo Coffee Cozy. "I've done several cozies based on the same general pattern, so for that one I was just winging it [...] Basically about 1/2" K1P1 around the top and bottom for stretch and then K1 for the pattern." Looking at the picture and from what I know about the size of the chart, I would guess that around 45 stitches were cast on, but I cannot be sure.


This knitting pattern has been published on www.chemknits.com with permission of Joy S. Grape at www.coffeewithleonardcohen.com. This pattern is intended for personal or charity use, and you are not to republish without permission from Joy S. Grape. (c) 2011 Joy S. Grape

Monday, September 26, 2011

Some Fun Knitting Projects of the Day

I wanted to take some time to put in a bigger plug for my newest blog, Knitting Project of the Day (or KPOTD). The following are some of my favorite posts from the ~6 months this blog has been running:

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Toy Ant Knitting Pattern



These ants aren't invading your picnic... they're invading your knitting cupboard!

Materials
  • Knitting Needles: 4 dpn Size 1 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Black KnitPicks Palette yarn
  • Gauge: Not important for the completed project
  • Misc: yarn needle, polly fill stuffing, crochet hook
  • Finished Size: ~3 inches long

Instructions for the Ant Body

Cast on 6 stitches. Join to knit in the round.
1. KFB across (12 sts)
2. K across
3. Kfb across (24 sts)
Rows 4-6. K across the row. 3 rounds total
7. *K2, K2tog* across the row (18 sts)
8. K across
9. K2tog across the row (9 sts)
10. K across the row
11. Kfb across (18 sts)
Rows 12-19. K across the row. 8 rounds total
20. K2tog across the row (9 sts)
21. K across
22. Kfb across (18 sts)
23. K across
24. *K2, Kfb* across the row (24 sts)
Rows 25-34. K across the row. 10 rounds total
35. *K2, K2tog* across the row (18 sts)
36. K across
37. *K1, K2tog* across the row (12 sts)
38. K across
39. K2tog across the row (6 sts)
Stuff the body. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Weave in loose ends.


Construction of the Antenna and Legs
  • Cut a piece of yarn and thread through the head of the ant

  • Using a crochet hook, crochet a single chain (starting with a stitch on the side of the head) until the desired length has been reached. Cut the yarn just above the knot. (see below)

    One antenna has been cut.

  • Thread three pieces of yarn through the middle section of ant body.

  • As with the antenna, crochet single chain for each leg until desired length has been reached. Cut the yarn just above the knot so it will not unravel.

Enjoy your stuffed ant toy!



---------------------------------------
Abbreviations Used in this pattern:
Kfb - increase by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch.
M1 (Make 1)- increase stitch by picking up yarn between two stitches, twisting and knitting.
K - knit
P - purl
S1 - slip one stitch
SSK - decrease by slipping two stitches then knitting them together. Alternatively, you could slip one stitch, knit one stitch and pass slipped stitch over.
K2tog - decrease by knitting two stitches together.

This knitting pattern was created by ChemKnits for your personal or charity use. You are not to distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of ChemKnits. © 2011 ChemKnits

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Hissy Snake



I'm not sure why I design slimy creatures that I'm not fond of in real life... but I had drawn a number of snake variations in my design notebook. This is a fast and simple knitting project, and with the addition of a pipe cleaner you will have a lot of fun playing with him after he's complete.

Materials

  • Knitting Needles: 4 dpn Size 1 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Hand dyed KnitPicks Palette yarn: Yellow (CC) and Purple (MC)
  • Gauge: Not important for the completed project
  • Misc: yarn needle, polly fill stuffing, pipe cleaner (if you want the snake to be bendy)
  • Finished Size: 8.75 inches long


Wrapping stuffing around the pipe cleaner to stuff into the snake did not work (the stuffing all bunched up). I then inserted the pipe cleaner at the beginning, knit around it and stuffed the snake as a knit.



Stuffing as I knit the snake


Instructions
I wrote the instructions in terms of sections (that correspond to the striping) rather than rows. Each section has 4 MC and 1 CC row. The snake is so thin that it may be helpful to stuff as you go.
  • Section 0:
    • Cast On 3 sts in MC. Work as i-cord for 1 round. (The entire piece is knit in the round.)
    • Kfb across (6 sts) Divide the stitches onto 3 double pointed needles.
    • K across for 2 rounds
  • Section 1:
    • Switch to CC - K across
    • Switch to MC - K across
    • *K1, Kfb* across (9 sts)
    • Knit across for 1 round
  • Section 2: Switch to CC - K across
  • Switch to MC K across for 3 rounds
  • Section 3:
    • Switch to CC - K across
    • Switch to MC - K across
    • *K2, Kfb* across (12 sts)
    • K 2 rounds across
  • Sections 4-5:
    • Switch to CC - K across
    • Switch to MC - Knit 4 rounds across
  • Section 6:
    • Switch to CC - K across
    • Switch to MC - K across
    • *K3, Kfb* across (15 sts)
    • Knit 2 rounds across
  • Sections 7-20:
    • Switch to CC - K across
    • Switch to MC - K 4 rounds
  • Decreases for the head:
    • K1, K2tog, K3, K2tog, K3 K2tog, K2 (12 sts)
    • k across
    • SSk, K2, K2tog, SSK, K2, K2tog (8 sts)
    • SSK K2tog, SSK, K2tog (4 sts)
  • If you want no tongue - K2tog twice, cut yarn and pull through
  • If you want to make a tongue - with the final 4 stitches - Slip 1, k2tog, k2tog (the first and last stitch of the round are being knit together. This is so the tongue is horizontal on the face rather than vertical.) The tongue is knit flat. Work in stockinette for 3 rounds. Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches.
  • Finishing - Weave in loose ends. Embroider on eyes.


The pipe cleaner will give you some bend and play to your knit snake!



Sometimes eyes make a big difference to the completion of a knit toy.



Have fun and play with the snake!

---------------------------------------
Abbreviations Used in this pattern:
Kfb - increase by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch.
M1 (Make 1)- increase stitch by picking up yarn between two stitches, twisting and knitting.
K - knit
P - purl
S1 - slip one stitch
SSK - decrease by slipping two stitches then knitting them together. Alternatively, you could slip one stitch, knit one stitch and pass slipped stitch over.
K2tog - decrease by knitting two stitches together.

This knitting pattern was created by ChemKnits for your personal or charity use. You are not to distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of ChemKnits. © 2011 ChemKnits

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Twisted Loop Cast On


The twisted loop cast on edge


This is my favorite cast on for when I need to add stitches to the end of the row, or if I am going to need to pick up stitches from the cast on edge later in the project. This method is so simple, you may wonder why you deal with the long tail cast on method!


Friday, September 16, 2011

More Yarn!!

I just ordered new yarn for the first time in MONTHS, and I am so excited about it that I had to write a post!

I noticed when I was shopping that the price of KnitPicks Palette increased from $1.99 to $3.39. I am sad because this is one of my all time favorite yarns, but it is still very affordable so I will continue to knit with it. But I decided to give myself a treat. There were some tote bag kits that each contained 14 balls of palette on sale for ONLY $25! I don't plan on making the landscape bags, but I will certainly use these predominantly blue and green yarns for something fun.


The Kits


My new stash


The last (and only) sweater that I made was completed when I was in high school, almost 10 years ago. I decided that it is time for me to make another sweater, and I wanted to get some samples of superwash merino wool to decide on the color for this project. (KnitPicks used to have color cards... that would have been much easier!) I think I'm going to go with the indigo color, as the blue is a little too blue jean for my taste.



Now I have to make ANOTHER yarn order to finish up some projects for Christmas... and maybe for a few other presents for myself.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

More Designs for Teeny Tiny mittens

In my previous post, I shared with you the design of a teeny tiny mitten. This mitten was colorful because I used hand-dyed yarn, but you can also use stranded colorwork techniques to make these mittens really cute. Today I am sharing some designs that will help you decorate these teeny tiny mittens. I have also included a chart of a blank mitten so you can create your own patterns.


Four designs for tiny knit mittens


Please send me pictures of your finished mittens!


These knitting charts were created by ChemKnits for your personal or charity use. You are not to distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of ChemKnits. © 2011 ChemKnits

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Teeny Tiny Mittens



I have knit tiny sweaters to be Christmas ornaments, and I thought it would be fun to add some tiny little mittens to the mix. Now that I have completed my prototype, I plan to create some additional designs for this adorable, pinky-sized mitten.

Materials
  • Knitting Needles: 4 dpn Size 1 (2.5 mm)
  • Yarn: Hand dyed KnitPicks Palette yarn
  • Gauge: Not important for the completed project
  • Misc: yarn needle.
  • Finished Size: ~1 inch tall

The cast on edge compared to a dime. You can already tell how tiny this mitten is going to be!


Instructions
Cast on 16 stitches. Join to knit in the round (taking care not to twist your stitches)
Rounds 1-5: Knit across the whole row
Round 6: K7, M1, K2, M1, K7 (18 sts)
Round 7: Knit across
Round 8: K7, M1, K4, M1, K7 (20sts)
Round 9: K8, slip 4 stitches onto waste yarn (or another needle) to hold for the thumb, K8 (16 sts)
Rounds 10-12: Knit across
Round 13: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K2, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1 (12 sts)
Round 14: K across
Round 15: K1, SSK, K2tog, K2, SSK, K2tog, K1 (8 sts)
Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining 8 stitches, pulling tightly to close the top of the mitten.



Setting aside stitches for the thumb. A simple i-cord does the trick to finish this guy off.

Finishing
Knit 2 icord rows with the 4 stitches set aside for the thumb. Cut yarn, pull through the stitches to form the tip of the thumb. Weave in loose ends.


The completed teeny tiny mitten.


I had some fun with the date and time for publishing this post. Yes, this was intentional... I almost wish it weren't!

---------------------------------------
Abbreviations Used in this pattern:
Kfb - increase by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch.
M1 (Make 1)- increase stitch by picking up yarn between two stitches, twisting and knitting.
K - knit
P - purl
I-cord - knit stitches on dpn's without ever turning the needle (effectively knitting in the round with a small number of stitches.)
SSK - decrease by slipping two stitches then knitting them together. Alternatively, you could slip one stitch, knit one stitch and pass slipped stitch over.
K2tog - decrease by knitting two stitches together.

This knitting pattern was created by ChemKnits for your personal or charity use. You are not to distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of ChemKnits. © 2011 ChemKnits

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Bumble Bee Pin Cushion


When I was blocking the garters for my bridesmaids, I wished that I had some kind of pin cushion. I kept stabbing myself placing the pins in my lap or holding them in my mouth. Why not make a pin cushion of something that would sting you back? I therefore decided to adapt the knitting pattern from my stuffed bumble bee toy.



This bee has no wings. Why you may ask? Well you can play with your pins to make his wings!


The yellow butterfly pins are from Singer Decorative Pins Set

Materials
  • Knitting Needles: 4 dpn Size 7
  • Yarn: Double stranded KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (worsted weight) in black and yellow.
  • Gauge: Not important for the completed project, but you want to knit tight enough that you will not see the polyester stuffing.
  • Misc: Toy stuffing, yarn needle.
  • Finished Size: 4 inch nose to stinger, ~2.5 inches wide.


Body Construction:
(Starting at the tip of the head.)
1. CO 6 sts in Black. Join to knit in the round and knit one row.
2. Kfb across - 12 sts
3. K across
4. Kfb across - 24 sts
5. K across
6. K across
7. *K6, K2tog* repeat 3 times - 21 sts
8. K across
9. K2, K2tog, K5, K2tog, K5, K2tog, K3 - 18 sts
10. K across
11. *K1, K2tog* across- 12 sts
12. K across
13. Switch to Yellow: Kfb across - 24 sts
14. K across
15. K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K8, kfb, K1 - 28 sts
16. K across
17. Switch to Black: K1, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K10, kfb, K1 - 32 sts
Rows 18-20. K across
21. Switch to Yellow: K1, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K1 - 28 sts
22. K across
23. K1, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K1 - 24 sts
24. K across
25. Switch to Black:*K2, K2tog* across, 18 sts
26. K across
27. *K1, K2tog* across, 12 sts
Stuff the head and body with polyester stuffing. Make sure to stuff it very full so it will withstand pins coming in and out.
28. K2tog across, 6 sts
29. K2tog across, 3 sts
30. work as Icord 1 round (to make the stinger), pull yarn through remaining stitches and weave in loose ends
Enjoy your pin cushion!

---------------------------------------
Abbreviations Used in this pattern:
Kfb - increase by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch.
K - knit
P - purl
SSK - decrease by slipping two stitches then knitting them together. Alternatively, you could slip one stitch, knit one stitch and pass slipped stitch over.
K2tog - decrease by knitting two stitches together.

This knit stuffed bee pattern was created by Chemknits for your personal or charity use. You are not to distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of Chemknits. © 2011 ChemKnits

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Turn any Mitten into a Glitten

Do you like convertible mittens (aka glittens)? Well it is possible to convert any mitten knitting pattern until a pattern for convertible mittens. In this video, I take you through the process of making convertible mittens.


Transform Any Mitten Knitting Pattern into Convertible Mittens: For the mitten pattern shown in the video, check out the Fenway Mitts Knitting Pattern, designed by ChemKnits.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Star Trek Uniform Beer Cozy

I am pleased to introduce another guest designer to ChemKnits, Joy S. Grape. Joy sent me to her Star Trek Uniform Beer Cozy knitting pattern, and I am honored to share it with all of you here.

Photo Credit - Joy S. Grape at www.coffeewithleonardcohen.com

About the Designer:

In her free time, Joy S Grape displays her aposematic coloration on her poetry blog, www.coffeewithleonardcohen.com. When threatened, she defends herself by extolling the virtues of genetically modified organisms until predators give up and leave.

Materials
:
  • Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors: Red (Color A), Yellow (Color B) and Black (Color C). Color A corresponds to the uniform color, so substitute whatever color you want.
  • Size 6 double pointed needles ("I'm cheap, so I used barbecue skewers, but they are the equivalent of about a size US6." - Joy)
  • Yarn needle for weaving in loose ends

Pattern Instructions:

  • CO 32 sts on DPNs in uniform color (Color A)
  • *K2,P2* across for 5 rounds
  • K across for 13 rounds
  • Begin Intarsia for the logo:
    • Row 1: K1 (Color A), K1 yellow (Color B), K2 (Color A), K1 (Color B), K (Color A) until end of row
    • Row 2: K3 (B), K1 (A), K1 (B), K (A) until end of row
    • Row 3: K1 (A), K4 (B), K (A) until end of row
    • Row 4: K1 (A), K3 (B), K (A) until end of row
    • Row 5: K2 (A), K2 (B), K (A) until end of row
    • Row 6: K2 (A), K1 (B), K (A) until end of row
  • Using Color A*K2, P2* across for 2 rounds
  • Using Color C *K2, P2* across for 3 rounds
  • Cast off, secure all loose ends.

I am a visual person, so I charted out the written instructions so you can see what the mini logo looks like:


The star trek logo used by Joy S. Grape in her knitting pattern


-----------------------------
Abbreviations used in this pattern:
K - knit
P - purl
CO - Cast On

This pattern has been published on www.chemknits.com with permission of Joy S. Grape at www.coffeewithleonardcohen.com. This pattern is intended for personal or charity use, and you are not to republish without permission from Joy S. Grape. (c) 2011 Joy S. Grape