Triangulate cowl is hot new knitting pattern

Bristol Ivy posted the news of her new cowl pattern on Twitter this morning. And it's a winner! The knitting designer has cleverly knit away the dangling ends of the shawl in organic worsted yarn, 'Pioneer,' produced by A Verb for Keeping Warm, a fiber arts store and natural dye studio, in Oakland, California. It's part of the California Wool Project, a collaboration with Sally Fox, who owns a merino sheep farm in Yolo County. The "Triangulate Cowl" knitting pattern is knit on US 8 needles and requires 320 yards or 2 skeins.

photo courtesy Bristol Ivy/ravelry.com

Knitting community celebrates royal baby with free patterns

Since the 11th century, wool has been a driving force in Great Britain's economy. So it makes perfect sense that knitting and crochet designers and yarn companies are celebrating the new royal baby in a princely fashion. If you are a sucker for free patterns, baby patterns, now's the time to download all the goodies: toys, hats, baby bootie patterns, jumpers, and crowns, yes, crowns!

Easy fingerless mitts in rainbow colors

copyright S. Watterson/knitnscribble 2013

Quick crochet or knit gift patterns are a rarity. These knitted fingerless mitts were a big hit this holiday season. A free pattern, easy as can be, using only one skein of Plymouth Yarns "Gina" in an array of colors that coordinate with any outfit. Great for spring when you no longer need a full-on mitten, this wrist warmer free knitting pattern is a cinch!

Team hats for favorite sports, knitting and selling

copyright S. Watterson/knitnscribble

Designing a knitting pattern for sports team caps is tricky, whether for hockey, football, or swimming. But once written down, the basic stocking hat pattern can be used for other favorite teams: NFL, NBA, NHL, etc. team hats, too. Some can even be knit for resale, if logos are not infringed upon.  A grandchild's request is very often the "mother of invention." Such is the case for this Sharks swim team hat knitnscribble designed and knit for Oliver, our 8-year-old grandson, who's a very excited member of the Wyckoff, NJ, Sharks swim team at the "Y."  Read on how this was designed and knit in one long day....

Knit and crochet quick baby gifts

copyright Hinke

Last week, knitnscribble profiled a super quick free baby blanket pattern by Kay Mather. Looking through my favorite baby patterns, came across this little baby hoodie jacket sideways pattern called "Snug," from the plethora of free knitting patterns on Ravelry. With a crochet cast-on, the sweater is knit all in garter stitch, one size, 6 months, using US 10 (6mm) needles and is sure to be a very quick project.

Easy baby blanket pattern in washable yarn

photo courtesy Rare Purls/Cascade Yarns

A moss stitch baby blanket pattern from Cascade Yarns. It's a four-stitch knitting pattern, which can easily be enlarged for a throw or afghan project. A free pattern and quickly worked up in Cascade 220 Superwash, Lion Brand's organic cotton or Plymouth Yarn's Encore machine washable on a US 8 (5 mm) needle, suitable for babies year round. All the yarns are available in many different colors. The double moss stitch (K2, P2) baby blanket takes about 3-4 balls of which ever yarn you choose. A welcomed baby shower gift or holiday present for new moms, this pattern by Kay Mather.

A felted purse for Fall

copyright 2012, s. watterson/ knitnscribble

On this sticky July day, how about some more 'hot and steamy' ideas for this fall? Free patterns for felted purses abound on the web, are fun to knit or crochet, and can save you quite a bit of money when it comes to handbag shopping. Large market bags can fit so much all year round.