Seed Stitch Basketweave Combo Infinity Scarf

 This is the Seed Stitch/Basketweave Scarf that I was working on. I really had no idea what I was doing with the yarn I had. Am I happy with it, it's aright I suppose. I liked how the Basketweave Stitch looks on this.  I hope these pics does the scarf some justice.


Materials:

(1) Balls Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Portland Wine

3 types of White Yarn , 1 Skein each. Note: You won't use up as much of the yarn as you think.

(1) Skein of Beloved Treasure Yarn. I used Horizon but you can choose other colors.
1 Size 15 10.00mm 29" or longer circular knitting needles. I prefer using Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Knitting needles. Use coupons to purchase these guys cause they can be a little pricey, but worth it.

Pattern:
With Portland Wine and Horizon held together, cast on 85 stitches.
Row 1: K1, P1, K1.... until end of row is reached.
Row 2: P1,K1,P1....until end of row is reached.
Continue until you have your desired number of rows.
Cut Portland Wine and tie it to the three yarns in the color White.
At the beginning of the row you're going to knit, the Basketweave Stitch will mimic what your last knitted row looks like.
 i.e.
If you ended up with a P1,K1,P1 stitch for your last row before you had the yarn, your new row in White and Horizon held together looks like this:

P1,K1,P1...until end of the row
White:
Row:
P1,K1,P1...repeat until end of row.
K1,P1,K1....repeat until end of row.
K1,P1,K1
P1,K1,P1,
P1,K1,P1
K1,P1,K1
K1,P1,K1

Continue until you reach your desired number of rows.
The last  four rows will end in the Seed Stitch.
Make 2 rows using the Seed Stitch pattern in Portland Wine and then join that yarn with the White yarn before you start the third row. Continue with White for the last two rows knitted in the Seed Stitch.

Bind off and weave in ends.

Infinity Scarf on Circular Knitting Needles

Cowls aka. infinity scarf,  have been the latest fashion trends for winter. I've seen so many different prints and styles. I've been wanting to make one on my own for some time. I grabbed a size 15 29' pair of circular knitting needles at Michael's the other day. I picked up a pair of circular knitting needles at Michael's a couple of weeks ago.

There was a lot to learn about knitting cowls. They are easy to do but thought must be given to the type of stitch you'll be using to make your cowl scarf.

Loops & Threads Country Loom Yarn, I used the color Shale. It's a ridicously soft yarn which makes for looser stitches. The first cowl I made with this yarn was warm but I wanted a tighter knit. My cool co-worker got me Red Heart's Stitch Nation by Debby Stoller in Full O'Sheep/ Passionfruit. It's such a BEAUTIFUL color. This is a great yarn for mixing.  I'm going to get photos up here soon. I just have to finish weaving in the ends of my first cowl and bind off the second one.

This is what I did:

I really liked how this one came out. It was really soft. But I ended up undoing the whole scarf because I didn't rib the other end and I didn't like it.

Quick tips for cowls:

1. If using the Stockinette Stitch, start with a stitch that won't curl (i.e. Garter Stitch or Seed Stitch). End also with this stitch before you bind off.
2. You don't need circular knitting needles to make a cowl scarf. DO take note of the type of stitch you're using so that you know how to correctly join the seams together.

Tips for New Knitters and Crocheters

So many people I talk to think that crocheting and knitting are the hardest things in the world. In fact, it is one of the most relaxing activities that you can do once you get the hang of it. The first thing I'd recommend is:

Do not take on more than you can handle.
Start simple and work your way up to harder techniques.
Practice, practice, practice.
Take frequent breaks.
Use your forearm muscles to knit or crochet, not your wrists (this may reduce your chance of developing Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. )
Once you master a stitch,  think of other ways to use that stitch.
Trust your muscle memory when you forget a stitch.
If you find yourself about to dooze as your knitting, that's a good point to take a break.
I almost forgot: Figure out if the American or European style of knitting works for you. Yes, they are quite different.