Monica Knits

Swap StsYesterday a reader inquired how to join Kitchener rib in the round. I'll give a short answer today and provide illustrations later. The method of joining in the round depends on the type of cast on you use for the Kitchener rib. The two types discussed in this blog are the provisional cast on and the Kitchener rib (also called Italian and tubular) cast on. If you are making small circles, the provisional cast on is probably the least awkward to execute. The provisional method was used for the toe up sock and the long mohair glove. The Kitchener rib cast on was used for a reversible headband knitted in the round. The two examples below each used 2 circular needles. Read more.....

Knit a pair of Hugs and Kisses wrist warmers in an evening, for Valentine's or Mother's Day. This pair of wrist warmers features an "O X O" cable pattern for each wrist and 1" wide 1 x 1 ribbed cuffs. Bernat Satin yarn lends lustre and softness. With 4.0 mm circular needles and worsted weight yarn the wrist warmers knit up as quickly as a swatch. The kiss is centered between two hugs, each embellished with heart shaped buttons. Read more... for knitting instructions. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

For a quick, festive, warm gift to knit, beaded wrist warmers sparkle. They take longer to knit than wrist warmers without beads--the time depends upon how many beads you decide to use. When you pair beads, plus yarn, you create a unique tribute to the wearer. These narrow, fitted wrist warmers were designed for a medium sized woman working at her computer. The turquoise blue color was selected to complement my sister's coloring. The beads resemble ornaments on a Yuletide tree.    Read more .... for pattern instructions.

Grey Sock DetailWinter's are cold and the snow is deep where my parent's live, so I decided to knit a pair of wool socks for my mom, my first best friend, whom I love dearly. I later learned that my mother reserved her handknit socks for special occasions like doctor's visits. She explained that clients had to remove their boots outside the waiting room, so she wanted her stockinged feet to look good. When asked where she got her variegated, blue-striped socks, with a mother's pride she announced that her daughter had knitted them for her. Since my original intent was that these be comfortable, everyday socks, I had to knit another pair.

The autumn weather was too cold for a sweatband and too warm for jogging or hiking with a woolen cap or waterproof hood. Fortuitously, I found an attractive alternative while researching gold yarns for a forthcoming project. There are often strong winds where I live, so I needed something that could keep my ears warm when needed and prevent bangs from blowing into my eyes. It has become my favorite cool (not cold) weather accessory. I wore it fall, winter and now in the spring.

Design Features. 1-3/4" wide, two color braided band, joined in the round with a knitted tube, of adjustable length/tightness. Buttonhole elastic, accessed via a knitted buttonhole on the skin side of the tube allows tightening or loosening the band to fit. Stocking stitch and 1 x 1 rib. My husband, who doesn't normally comment on clothes, immediately remarked at the band's attractiveness. My walking buddy bought some yarn so I could knit her one as well. Soon we'll be twins. (...photo coming...)

These leg warmers were designed for cool weather and winter walking and are knitted with acrylic yarn for quick laundering. They feature feature 1 x 1 ribbing at the ankle and calf, a seed stitch buttonhole placket, vertical buttonholes, shell buttons and a stocking stitch body. These are knitted flat, but are tapered in shape and can either be buttoned closed or sewn closed, depending on preference. The ankle cuff is loose so that it can be worn over shoes or hiking boots to keep out snow.
Read more ... for additional information.