Twisted Love Sock Knitting Pattern FREE for a limited period

I mentioned a while back that I have been busy working on a mini collection of sock patterns, well it is nearly here.  You may have seen some of pictures of yarn and beads on my social media pages and the fun I have been having choosing which beads, for which yarn…..

 

In readiness for it’s release I have designed a FREE sock pattern to entice you try beading with a crochet hook for yourselves.  These beautiful cable and bead socks are simple to knit yet stunning to look at! New to beading with a cable needle? Fear not there are tutorials included in the pattern. (Be warned though, once you start you will be adding beads to all your projects!)

Not a fan of beads? Simply omit the beads and you will still have yourself a pair of very pretty socks.

 

For a limited period only you can download this pattern for FREE if you sign up to my newsletter here

To knit these socks, you will need to be familiar with top down socks construction with a heel flap.
Be able to;
sl 1 – slip next stitch purlwise
ktbl -knit next st through back loop, twisting stitch
ssk – slip 1, slip 1, knit these 2 slipped sts together
k2tog – knit next two stitches together to decrease one stitch
yo – yarn over
CDD – slip next two stitches together as if to knit, knit next stitch, pass slipped sts over
Bead (see ‘Knitting with beads’ instructions included in pattern)

Yarn:
Cascade Heritage Solids, shade 5649, Iris, (one 100g skein). 75% merino, 25% nylon. 100g/400m/436yds
Needles:
Double pointed 2.5mm (US 1.5) US or circular needles for working in the round
Crochet hook:
0.75mm (USA 13) for beading only
Also needed:
Size 6 seed beads, Debbie Abrahams, Colour 337 (approx. 72 beads)
Stitch markers
Cable needle
Tension:
32 sts x 46 rows = 10cm x 10cm (4 in x 4 in) using 2.5mm needles and stocking stitch (blocked)
To save time, take time to check gauge.
Pattern Notes:
The pattern uses the crochet hook method of apply beads. (Beads can easily be omitted from this design).
Sizing Notes:
The large cables make the sock a snug fit, if you are between sizes in the chart below, I suggest you opt for the larger size.
To choose the best fit, measure the foot around the widest point of the foot and knit the size closest to the ‘to fit foot circumference’ size.

Finished foot circumference: 18.5 cm / 7.25 in (20 cm / 8 in, 21.5 cm / 8.5 in, 23 cm / 9 in)
To fit foot circumference: 20 cm / 8 in (21.5 cm / 8.5 in, 23 cm / 9 in, 24.5 cm / 9.5 in)

Just in case you missed it, the link for the newsletter sign up is  here

I would love to see your finished projects on my Ravelry page…

 

A Plethora of Purple Scarves…

Well it has been a busy start to 2015 for me and I realise that I am somewhat behind with updating my blog (naughty knitting blogger!).  But I wanted to bring the blog upto date and share some of the designs that have been released during the past couple of months.

The December Issue of Simply Knitting features a plethora of my creations, all designed to keep you cosy during the chilly months.  See if you can guess my favourite colour?

There were not one, not two, but four scarves featured in this issue….

Luxurious, which is a chunky knit scarf worked in Stylecraft, Tibet yarn.  It is a quick knit and can be worn many ways as you simply use the lace eyelets as buttonholes.

 

Preppy Chic, this is another chunky knit with cables that run along the outside edge, to give this scarf some interesting shaping.  Worked in Stylecraft, Life Super Chunky, this really is a quick knit.

Rolling Waves, this little beauty is worked using Stylecraft, Senses Lace.  The yarn is so light and fluffy I can’t recommend trying this yarn out enough.  One ball of yarn is all that is needed for this cleverly crafted scarf, the yarn is available in some really pretty colours.  I am looking forward to seeing your finished versions of this project.

I am a big fan of self patterning yarn, it gives an instant look of complexity to your knitting with no extra effort.  I like to team the self patterning yarn with a solid coloured contrasting yarn for some extra wow.  So image my delight when West Yorkshire Spinners developed their Signature Birds range of sock yarn.  The self patterning yarn is available in Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Bull Finch, Owl, Pheasant and Mallard.  Each yarn has a coordinating solid coloured yarn.  These ‘Taking Wing’ mittens shown above are worked using Blue Tit and Cardamon.

 

Yes you spotted it, I said four scarves.  This linen stitch cowl was a free pattern for subscribers.  It only takes one ball of Stylecraft, Vision DK and is available to download from the Simply Knitting website here.

Happy Knitting everyone, as always I would love to see your finished projects on my Facebook page.

You can download a copy of issue 127 Simply Knitting here.

How to make cute ‘Converse’ style crochet flowers for your sneakers – tutorial

So you have a pair of hi top shoes that are in need of a little personality.  If you have a spare 30 minutes you can make yourself some interchangeable embellishments for your shoes.  These lovelies simply button onto your existing shoes, so when you fancy a change of style you simply button on another crochet cutie.

These little flowers are quick and simple to make and the tutorial will guide you through the steps with a few pointers.  Need a closer look at the action?  Click in the image for a close up view.  By the way, this tutorial is written in UK Crochet Terms.

For those of you just looking for the concise pattern,  it is at the bottom of the post.

You will need