Ciao Everybody!

Hi girls, it's such a long time that I don't write on my blog!

I have to say that I miss it a little, even if I'm still receiving many comments on my free patterns and that's making me so happy every time.

I'm sorry if I'm not replying to all of them, but this is the first time since more than a year that I enter my blogger account, and really the first time by then that I have something new to show you.

This is a ribbed cowl made from this Lionbrand Free Pattern, very easy and fun to make. A piece made to start again with knitting..

I've been doing other stuff during this period, first of all learning how to use the sewing machine. Sometimes I need to learn something new and to make different things, and that's why I've quit chocheting and knitting for a while.

Can you see? I've also cut all my hair..it's the first time I have them so short!:) Many changes this year!

Now I feel I'm ready again to have hooks and needles in my heands, so I can say that probably some new free patterns are coming out...within this year hopefully!

I'm still trying to do some sewing stuff, but I'm a beginner with the sewing machine as I've always handsewed in the past. We'll see.

How about you?

I hope you had a great 2010, and I wish you an even greater 2011.

As you can see this is more a letter to my blog readers, instead of an usual blog post. It came out naturally while writing, as I feel you're like real friends to me. That's because of all your nice comments left here for me and your support and appreciation.

Thanks dear readers, hope to write back soon,

Marta

Diagonal Eyelet Hand Warmers Free Pattern

Let's start posting again some more interesting things!
And what else could I choose to be back with, other than a new pair of cute hand warmers?
Fall is arrived with lot of rain here in Rome, making my hands cold.
It has been such a hot summer, that I'm really happy to be able again to put on a chunky wool cardigan, drink warm tea and watch the rain falling over the window.
This pair of hand warmers are made with a diagonal eyelets and ribbing cuffs and tops, I hope you'll enjoy this new free pattern!
Here it is:

Materials:
One ball 100% Merinos wool extrafine (50g/135m), any DK weight yarn will work
4.00mm Straight Needles
5.00mm Straight Needles

Abbrevations:
k = knit
p = purl
yo = yarn over
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Handwarmers (make two!):
Cuff's Ribbing:
Cast On 34 sts leaving a long tail for sewing handwarmer's cuff and part of body.
Row1: k2, *p2,k2* across
Row2: p2, *k2,p2* across
Row3-14: Repeat Row1 for odd rows and Row2 for even rows

Body:
Row 1: k4, *Yo, k2tog, k4*. Repeat from * across.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: k5, Yo, k2tog, *k4, Yo, k2tog*. Repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 4: Purl.
Row5: k6, Yo, k2tog, *k4, Yo, k2tog*. Repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row6: Purl.
Row7: k1, Yo, k2tog, *k4, Yo, k2tog*. Repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row8: Purl.
Row9: k2, Yo, k2tog, *k4, Yo, k2tog*. Repeat from * across.
Row10: Purl.
Row11: k3, Yo, k2tog, *k4, Yo, k2tog*. Repeat from * to last 5 sts, k5
Row12: Purl.
Rows13-24: Repeat rows 1 to 12.

Top's ribbing:
Row1: k2, *p2,k2* across
Row2: p2, *k2,p2* across
Using a larger needle (5.00mm), Cast off sts loosely doing a ribbing Row1.
Cut yarn leaving a tail for sewing handwarmer's top.

Finishing:
Sew handwarmer's top for approximately 2.0cm and cuff and body for 8.5cm, leaving 3cm of body open for thumb.
Cut yarns and weave in all ends.
Sew some pretty buttons on the cuff's ribbing if you like and enjoy your new pair of handwarmers!

Knit/Crochet Handwarmers

My passion for handwarmers is not finished.
I had some yarn left from this hat, and I've started making another pair immediately!!
I wrote down the pattern for these cute cute handwarmers once they were finished, but as they are quite easy to make, it should be correct..but feel free to write me for any question.
Here it is:

Materials:
One ball Tropical Lane "Cin Cin" (75% Merinos, 5% Cotton, 20% Dralon) (50g/125m)
A: mustard yellow
B: white
C: brown

4.00mm Straight Needles
5.00mm Straight Needles
4.00mm hook

Gauge:
10sts*16rows = 5*5cm in Stockinette st

Abbrevations:
For knitting cuffs:
k = knit
p = purl
st/sts = stitch/stitches
For crochet body and top:
ch = chain
sc = simple crochet
sl st = slip stitch
hdc = half double crochet

Notes:
picot = ch 3, sl st in front loop of 3rd ch from hook

Knitted Cuffs (make two!):
With color A and 4.00mm needles cast on 32 sts.
Rows1-12: *k2,p2* across
With 5.00mm needle, bind off all sts.
Sew together the edges of each cuff, and don't cut the yarn.

With 4.00mm hook, work a round of sc in each stitch of top's cuff and sl st to join (32 sc).

Crochet left handwarmer:
Attach color B.
Round 1-9: ch2, work hdc around, sl st to first hdc to join the round.
Round 10: ch2, hdc in next 4 hdc, ch6, leave next 6 hdc unworked, and work hdc in each of next hdc around, sl st to join round.
Round 11-12: repeat round 1.
Attach color C.
Round 13: ch1, sc in each st around and sl st to join round.
Round 14: ch1, *sc in next 4 sts, work a picot*. Repeat from * around to complete the handwarmer top edge and sl st to first sc of round to join.
Cut yarn and weave in all ends.

Crochet right handwarmer:
Work as for left one until round 9.
Round 10: ch2, hdc in each hdc around until last 6 sts, leave next 6 hdc unworked, ch6, and join with sl st to top of beg. ch2.
Work remaining rounds of handwarmer as for the left one.

Tiny bow:
Ch 8, hdc in third ch from hook and in each st across.
Ch2, turn, work hdc in each hdc.
Cut yarn and weave in ends.
With a large eye needle, attach yarn to centre of bow and wrap the yarn around, gathering the middle of the bow.
Fasten yarn centre of bow and sew in on the handwarmer where you like!

Enjoy them!

Garnstudio Neck With Buttons

I've made this Neck some months ago, and I sell it on my Etsy.
Finally I've done a nice picture that I'm not ashamed to post on my blog, and I can show it with the link to the Garnstudio's free pattern!
I think that's pretty nice..
The pattern is easy and it's made with 8mm needles, which makes the work fast and confortable!
My Neck has came out a little more long than the original, but I like it because this way it's also a shoulder warmer.
Hope you'll enjoy it!

Inverness Diamonds Knitted Handwarmers

Another pair!
It seems I can't stop making handwarmers..
These are knitted with a Denim blue mix of Merinos and cotton yarn, flecked with bits of yellow, red and white.
Simple and beautiful, embellished by an Inverness Diamonds pattern on the backs.
My free pattern:

Materials:
One ball Tropical Lane "Cin Cin" (75% Merinos, 5% Cotton, 20% Dralon) (50g/125m) Light blue
4.00mm Straight Needles

Abbrevations:
k = knit
p = purl
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Gauge: 10sts*16rows = 5*5cm in Stockinette st

Left Handwarmer:
Cast on 34 sts.
Rows1-8: Work in Stockinette Stitch, ending with a purl row.
Inverness Diamond Pattern Rows:
Row 1: k3, p3, k9, p3, k16
Row 2: Purl for 17 sts, k3, p7, k3, p4.
Row 3: k5, p3, k5, p3, k18
Row 4: Purl for 19 sts, k3, p3, k3, p6
Row 5: k7, p3, k1, p3, k20
Row 6: Purl for 21 sts, k5, p8
Row 7: k9, p3, k22
Row 8: Repeat row 6
Row 9: Repeat row 5
Row 10: Repeat row 4
Row 11: Repeat row 3
Row 12: Repeat row 2
Rows 13-24: Repeat rows 1 to 12
Row 25: Repeat row 1
Row 26-28 : Work in Stockinette Stitch, ending with a purl row.
Bind off loosely, using a 5.00mm needle

Right Handwarmer:
Work same as left but reverse on the Inverness Diamond rows.
(for example: Row 1: k16, p3, k9, p3, k3)

Finishing:
Sew sides of hanwarmers leaving a 3,5cm thumb hole, having the Diamonds Pattern on the backs.
Enjoy them!

Emerald Green Handwarmers

Another pair!
I know, i'm obsessed by handwarmers..but i really love them!
These are in a beautiful emerald green Merinos extrafine wool, soft and cozy.
The pattern? A sudden inspiration, that i've obviously wrote down to share..every girl should have a pair of this!

Materials:
One ball 100% Merinos wool extrafine (50g/135m) Emerald Green
4.00mm Straight Needles

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Moss stitch:
Row1: *k1,p1*
Row2: *p1,k1*

Stockinette stitch:
Row1: knit across
Row2: purl across

Double Moss stitch:
Row1-2: *k1,p1*
Row3-4: *p1,k1*

Handwarmers (make two!):
Cast on 34 sts.
Work in Moss st for 3 Rows.
Work in Stockinette st for 12 Rows (you should end up with a purl row).
Start with Double Moss stitch, and repeat the pattern rows 6 times, ending with row4.
Work 4 Rows in Stockinette st and then 3 more rows in Moss st.
Bind off loosely in Moss st using a 5.00mm needle.

Finishing:
Fold in half the piece and sew sides:
from top down 2cm.
from bottom up 8cm
leaving 3,5cm open for thumb hole.

Cherry Red Handwarmers's free pattern

A friend asked me for the pattern of the Cherry Red Handwarmers, and as I looove to share creativity with others, and as I've learned to knit and crochet thanks to Internet's crafty community, I've wrote it immediately!
It's very easy, but if you have problems with it just send me an e-mail!

Materials:
One ball 100% Merinos wool extrafine (50g/135m)
4.00mm Straight Needles

Abbrevations:
k = knit
p = purl
yo = yarn over
k2tog = knit 2 sts together
st/sts = stitch/stitches
skp = slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over

Handwarmers (make two!):
Cuff's Ribbing:
Cast On 32 sts leaving a long tail for sewing handwarmer's cuff and part of body.
Row1: *k2,p2* across
Row2-11: Repeat Row1.

Body:
Row 1: k1, *Yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: k1, *SKP (), yo; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 4: Purl.
Repeat Rows 1-4 a total of 10 times or for the desired lenght, ending with a Row4.

Top's ribbing:
Row1: *k2,p2* across
Row2-6: Repeat Row1.
Using a larger needle (5.00mm), Cast off sts loosely.
Cut yarn leaving a tail for sewing handwarmer's top.

Finishing:
Sew handwarmer's top for approximately 2.5cm and cuff and body for 10cm, leaving 3cm of body open for thumb.
Cut yarns and weave in all ends.
Sew some pretty buttons on the cuff's ribbing if you like and enjoy your new pair of handwarmers!

Cherry Red Handwarmers

Have I told you that i'm in love with handwarmers in this period?
Oh yes, I really do!
I'm creating new designs for having my hands always warm, because here in Rome is quite freezing these days..
These are knitted with the Mesh Pattern that you can find on Lionbrand's Stitch Finder, and with a 2*2 rib borders.
I found in my mother's trinkets box those cute little wooden flower buttons that are probably coming from some of my grandma's old shirts. Aren't they lovely?
I adore them!
If someone is interested to have a pattern help for making them, just contact me and i'll help you with pleasure!

Eyelet Vest

Do you remember the "New sweater in progress" post?
Well, the sweater has become a vest, and it will probably be my mother's Christmas gift!
You know, Christmas is really close now and there are many presents i still have to do, so i didn't had time to make sleeves!!
I think it's nice anyway, i love the color and the eyelet pattern, and it fits perfectly.
Here's another picture of the eyelet's detail:

Of course i've wrote down the patter, and because it turned out as a vest, i just had to leave out the sleeves's part.
I don't know if someone will find it useful, it is really simple and nothing special as it's my first knitting project, but i love to share my creativity with others, so here's my Eyelet Vest pattern:

Materials:
Mohair (40% mohair, 60% dralon)
6mm straight needles

Size:
Adult small.
Finished chest circumference: 78cm (30.7inches)
Total lenght: 49cm (19.3 inches)

Back:
Cast on 60 st using 6mm straight needles.
Rib: *k2,p2* for 11 rows.
Knit next row.
Purl next row.

Eylet pattern's rows:
Row 1: k2, *yfwd, k2tog, k2* rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2: purl.
Row 3: knit.
Row 4: purl.
Row 5: K4, *yfwd, k2tog, k2* rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 6: purl.
Row 7: knit.
Row 8: purl.
Continue with eylet pattern's rows (i've repeat them 9 times), until the piece misures approximately 35cm, or the desired lenght to armholes, ending with a Row 6.

Armhole shaping:
Bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next row, knit the remaining sts.
Bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next row, purl the remaining sts.
K2tog,k 4 sts, yfwd, k2tog, *k2, yfwd, k2tog*, rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, k2tog.
Purl next row.
K2tog, knit across to last 2 sts, K2tog.
Purl next row.
Repeat Pattern Rows 1 to 8, until the armholes misures approximately 15cm from Bo rows

Front:
Same as back until the point where you want the V neck opening starts (i've repeated pattern's rows 8 times ),ending with a row 5 .
Purl to the halfway point (30 sts), attach a second ball.
Dec one st on each neck edge of next row, and on every other odd rows, until there are 12 sts each front shoulder piece. AT THE SAME TIME, repeat armhole shaping as for back when the piece misures 35cm or the lenght you've done for back.
Continue in pattern rows until the front piece misures as back.
Bind off all sts.

Finishing:
Sew shoulders and side seams.Weave in all ends.

Enjoy your Eyelet Vest!

New sweater in progress

I'm working on a new project.
I've bought this green mohair yarn and started drawing down sketches for a sweater. I'm in love with eyelets, and so I've decided that my sweater will have them!
This is my first attempt for a knitting project, so i'm working really slowly not to make mistakes, but i hope soon there will be a new free pattern on my blog..
Meanwhile i'm working on christmas's gifts for my four nephews, i'll list down some link of what i'm doing so maybe some of you will find inspiration for your baby's or nephew's gift! They are all from Lionbrand:

• Baby kimono
• Baby hooded poncho
• Little girl's playtime top

Father-in-law's tie

I've just married an incredible man. We've been living together for almost four years now, and we share our ideas and interest with love. The day before our wedding was the birthday of his parents..yes, they're born on the same day! They are very sweet persons and, as last year i've made a beret for her, this year i'm trying to make a tie for him. The pattern is the "knit necktie" from Lionbrand.
I've started crocheting and knitting to make gifts for the people i love, and this has been a great inspiration to me. I've enjoyed it so much, that now it is one of my favorite occupation, and i'm always thinking about new stuff i could make, drawing down sketches of my ideas.
I also think that it is a good psychological exercise, it brings you in a quiet and relaxing state of mind, which is really hard to be in this frantic and chaotic society.
So, Happy Crafting!