Marble Chunky Yarn Afghan

 

 

 

Marble Chunky comes in dozens of colors, all with a self strip effect that makes each project unique. The chunky size of the yarn makes any project go quickly.....

 

 This is a Confident Beginner Crochet Project

 

What we used:

To create this "Waterfall" afghan we used

 "48 Hour Afghan" project book by Leisure Arts.

 

It took 5 Skeins of Marble Chunky by James Brett,

 shown in color 32 "Aquamarine"

 



 

Why we like it:

Each Skein is 341 yards of amazing color,

and it is machine washable and dryable.

 





Kitchen Scrub it

 

Start getting ready for the Holidays early!

 

 These scrubbies are adorable and great gifts...

Bring to the host of a holiday party, a new neighbor as a house warming gift,

or for the person that is hard to buy for!

 These are so colorful scrubbies will brighten up anyone's kitchen!

 

 

 

Fall Arm Knitted Scarves

Arm Knitting is back in swing as the fall season approaches! Arm Knitting is a fast and easy way to knit without needles! You can get either one of these projects done before you finish your favorite television program without any experience in knitting! 

 Blue and Sliver Twist

Supplies:

Two Strands (one Skein) of Cascade Pacific Color Wave
One strand (one Skein) of Premier Starry Night

Directions:

Cast on 6 stitches. Make the length extra long so you can give the project a twist before closing the ends.  This gives it a different look and emphasizes the lovely shine of the metallic in the Starry Night.

Purple Infinity Knot

Supplies: 

Two Strands (one Skein) of Cascade Pacific Color Wave
Two Strands (one Skein) of Premier City Life

Directions:

Cast on 5 Stitches.

Work yarn to desired length and join the short ends to create the Infinity scarf. Work a fancy knot at the join by having a long starting tail and a long finishing tail.  Then use a simple overcast technique to create the emphasis to the knotted area.  You could also join as usually and use another yarn to wrap to create a focus feature in the scarf.

* Cascade Pacific Color Wave is available in Gresham, Salem, Meridian, Kennewick and Meridian Craft Warehouse stores. Starry Night is available in all stores. City Life is available in all stores.

Sunny Side Felted Chair Pad

This altered "granny square" pattern, by Karen Graepel from our Vancouver Craft Warehouse, using Cascade Magnum Yarn creates a fun chair pad for keeping yourself warm on the bleachers during football season! Make it in your sports team's colors to show your spirit!

Materials

One skein Cascade Magnum yarn, any color except white (white will not felt because bleach is used during processing).  NOTE:  Only one skein is needed to make this chair pad, but you may use two colors to honor your favorite sports team – and make 2 pads!

Crochet hook, size N (10mm)

Special stitches

·         Beginning cluster (beg cl):  Ch 2, (yo, insert hook in ch sp, yo and draw loop through, yo and through 2 loops on hook) 2 times, yo, draw through all 3 loops on hook.

·         Cluster Stitch (clstr): (Yo, insert hook in ch sp,  yo, draw loop through, yo and through 2 loops on hook) 3 times; yo, draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Instructions

Ch 4, sl st in first chain to form a ring.

Round 1:  Ch 4 (counts as first dc & ch 1),  (dc, ch 1 in ring) 7 times, join with sl st to third ch of beginning ch 4.  (8 dc, 8 ch 1 sps)

Rnd 2: Sl st in first ch 1 sp, work beg cl in sp, *ch4 [to form corner], cluster in next ch sp, ch3, cluster in next ch sp, repeat from * 2 more times, ch 4,  cluster in next ch sp, ch 1, hdc in top of beg. cl (forms final ch 3). (8 clusters, 4- ch 4 sp corners, 4- ch 3 sp)

Rnd 3: Beg Cl in same sp as joining, *ch 3, (clstr, ch 4, clstr in next ch 4 sp [corner]), ch 3, clstr in next ch 3 sp, repeat from * twice more, ch 3, clstr, ch 4, clstr in last ch 4 sp, ch 1, hdc in top of beg. cl. (8 ch 3 sp & 4 ch 4 corner sp)

Rnd 4: Ch 3 in same sp as joining (counts as dc), 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 3 dc, *ch 1,  (3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr) in corner, (ch 1, 3 dc) in next two ch 3 sps, repeat from * twice more, ch 1, (3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr) in last ch 4 sp, ch 1, dc  in ch 3 sp next to ch 3 at beg of round, sl st in top of ch 3.

Note:  If you choose to make a 2-color pad, now is the time to fasten off and join your 2nd color in the slip stitch at the end of round 4.

Rnd 5: sl st to ch 1 sp, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1) in each ch 1 sp across, repeat from * twice more, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in last corner ch 3 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, join to top of beg. ch 3.

Rnd 6:  Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, *ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner, dc in next 3 dc, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, repeat from * twice more, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc,  (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1,  join to top of beg. ch 3.  [9 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1, 9 dc per side]

Rnd 7:  Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, *ch 1, dc in next 9 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner, dc in next 9 dc, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, repeat from * twice more, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in next 9 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner, dc in next 9 dc,  ch 1,  join to top of beg. ch 3 and fasten off.  [11 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1, 11 dc per side]

Felting

Your chair pad is about 20-25% larger than it will be after felting.  Place it in your washer with like-colored fabrics (avoid towels, they may add lint to your wool) and wash with a mild detergent in warm water.  Air dry, spreading the pad out evenly.  Enjoy!

Abbreviations

ch        chain

dc        double crochet

hdc      half double crochet

sk         skip

sl st      slip stitch

sp         space

yo        yarn over

Arm Knitting Scarves

Knitters are creating cowls, scarves and even afghans using the Arm Knitting method. With Arm Knitting you get the look of knitting without using knitting needles! You can make an easy scarf in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

Cowl (pictured on the left)

Supplies:

2 Strands Heartland T&Q blue (1 skein)
2 strands Heartland T&Q black (1 skein)

Directions: 

Cast on 5 stitches, you will arm knit all the yarn and cast off.
Weave the short ends together to create the cowl.


Infinity Scarf (pictured on the right)

Supplies:

1 strand Heartland T&Q cream (1 skein)
1 strand Heartland T&Q black (1 skein)
2 strands Marble Chunky red mix (1 skein)

Directions:

Cast on 7 stitches, arm knit to desired length.
Cast off and weave short ends together to create the cowl.

“Learn to Arm Knit” teaches the ultimate quick technique for creating fabulous scarves and cowls!
Using super chunky yarn or multiple strands of thinner yarns, you can be finished in about a half hour even with no experience in traditional knitting. Simple instructions will guide you through every step.

* Arm Knitting book $3.99, Heartland Thick and Quick Yarn 2 for $10 (reg $6.99), and Marble Chunky Yarn 2 for $20 (reg $15.99) on sale from August 27 through September 21, 2014

Knitted Cowl Wrap by Craft Warehouse Employee Melissa Hartwell

Thank you to Melissa Hartwell, an employee from one of our Craft Warehouse stores, who created this lovely Cowl Wrap! I asked her to share how she made it, just for you!

Supplies:

1 Hank "Magnum" by Cascade Yarns  Color used: Shire
1 Skein "Glitz" yarn by Mary Maxim  Color used: Angora
1 Size "J " crochet hook
2 - 1" Black/Silver buttons by Haberdashery

- and-

Your arms!

Directions: 

 

1.  Using the arm knitting method and holding one strand of "Magnum" yarn and one strand of the "Glitz" yarn, Cast on 12 stitches.

2. Without turning, knit back across the cast on stitches to the end.

3.  Repeat step 2 for seven (7) rows.  (12 stitches total).

4.  Bind off stitches loosely.

To finish with Crocheted edges and button holes:

1.  Lay the cowl/wrap flat , using fingers at each end to stretch evenly.  This evens out the stitch pattern and created the points in the end loops to crochet into.

2.  Using the crochet hook and the Mary Maxim "Glitz" yarn, single crochet (sc) in first end loop at the point; chain 1, single crochet (sc) in next loop; repeat to the end. Chain (ch) 2, turn.  (13 stitches plus 2 ch)

3.  Single crochet to the end.  Ch 3, turn.

4.  In next crochet from hook, 1 double crochet.  Dc in next sc, Ch 2, skip 2 sc,  Repeat once more, dc to the end.  ch 2, turn.  This row creates the holes for the buttons.

5.  Sc in next two chain stitches, sc in next dc.  repeat to the end, ending with a sc in last dc.  Ch 2, turn.

6.  Repeat step 5 for next 5 rows.  Fasten off.

7.  To finish the other end (you will sew the buttons onto this edge), repeat step 2.  Next row, Single crochet to the end.  Ch2, turn.  Repeat this row 7 times, fasten off.

8.  Choose 2 buttons and sew them onto this edge, centering under each of the two holes. 

9.  Button the closure to finish.

 

* Pick up the Learn to Arm Knit Book at Craft Warehouse Stores for only$3.99 until May 18th, 2014

Arm Knitting a Cowel and Full Length Scarves

Directions:

Using 1 strands of Ecru Magnum, 1 strand Lumio Capri Blue, and 1 strand Eros II Jewel, 1 stand Berroco Kodak Snowy White. Cast on 6 stitches. AK (Arm Knit) strands of yarns together. Knit until desired length. Knot ends together to create a cowl.

Created by Patricia McBride from our Gresham Craft Warehouse store

Directions:

Using 1 strand of Lumio Lime, 1 strand of Lumio Capri Blue, and 1 strand of Eros II Blue/Green cast on 6 stitches. AK (Arm Knit) 1 strands of all yarns together. Knit until desired length. Cast off and to add fringe see below video.

How to Arm Knit:



How to Arm Knit Fringe:

Arm Knitting Aqua and Grey Chunky Scarf

Created by Patricia McBride from our Gresham Craft Warehouse store

Directions:

Using Cascade Summer Sky Magnum and Cascade Gray Pacific Chunky. Cast on 6 stitches. AK (Arm Knit) 2 strands of both yarns together. Knit until desired length. Cast off. To create a fringe watch the video below.

How to Arm Knit:

 

How to Create a Fringe on your Arm Knitted Scarf:

 

Cherub Yarn Sweater

We love Cascade Yarns' Cherub Yarn for spring designs because it makes into fun and light weight projects for everyone in your family! Super soft double knit weight yarn in bright and clear clolors. 1.75 oz and an amazing 180 yarns in each skein. 45% acrylic 55% nylon, machine was and dry. (Size 3)

Cabled Cardi pattern shown above is from the book 60 More Quick Baby Knits (project 34, page 104)

 * On sale 40% off (reg $3.99) until February 16th, 2014, not available in Medford.

USA Olympic Pride Arm Knitted Scarf

The 2014 Olympics have officially begun! Show your USA Olympic pride while wearing this Arm Knitted scarf!

Use 2 strands of Starbella USA, cast on 5 stitches and AK (Arm Knit) until the end of the skein. This will make a long infinity scarf that you can have fun twisting into different ways to wear it!

To learn how to Arm Knit, watch the tutorial below! 

Arm Knitting Scarves

Arm Knitting is a hot new trend that is easy and fun! You do not need any needles and it is perfect for any age whether you have knitted before or not! Here are two of our new favorite designs!

 

Starbella and Starry Night Yarns are made by Premier. The Starbella ( red and orange) by itself is one skein. Cast on six stitches. Work all the Starbella. Starbella and Starry Night red and gold infinity scarf (1 strand each) are cast on seven and work all Starbella. You will have extra Starry Night left. Tie ends together to create an Infinity Scarf.

Magnum is made by Cascade Yarns and Passion Chunky is made by James Brett. It is the cream wool with little bit of variegated blue scarf. Measure off approximately 30 yards ( twice) of each Magnum and Passion Chunky, working 2 strands of each cast on  five stitches. Work all yarn.

Follow the video below to learn how to Arm Knit!

Arm Knitting Scarves

Arm Knitting is a hot new trend that is easy and fun! You do not need any needles and it is perfect for any age whether you have knitted before or not! Here are two of our new favorite designs!

The Starbella ( red and orange) by itself is only one skein. Cast on six stitches. Work all the Starbella yarn and tie ends together to make an Infinity Scarf.

Frilly Yarn is by Schachenmayr and City Life is by Premier. 1 skein of each, with City Life using two strands and Frilly only one. Cast on seven stitches and work all the Frilly. You will have lots of City Life left over. Tie ends together to make an Infinity Scarf.

Watch the video below to learn how to Arm Knit!

Scarf Turned Into A Buttoned Cowl by Staci Wendland

I recently discovered my yarn impediment skipped a generation.  I bravely gave my daughter a knitting book and a skein of yarn for Christmas.  I fully expected it to go into a storage box, never to be seen again.  But then something magical happened.  She dug out the knitting needles and, barely glancing at the book, started on a scarf.  I keep expecting it to disappear, but she kept at it.  She started carrying it out of the house with her and telling me stories of teaching a friend to knit too.  They visited craft stores and a local yarn shop together.  She finished that scarf and has barely left the house without wearing it since. 

Now, I’m still using the loom.  It works for me and I enjoy using it once in a while.  Around the same time I bought her yarn, I grabbed a skein of my own.  It’s a bulky so it goes quickly, and is so pretty.

I went with an oatmeal color.  I made a short, flat scarf using a basic design.  Really, anything you like would work.  I just kept going until I ran out of yarn, which ended up about 32” long and 5” wide.  I dug four 3/4” buttons out of my stash, but if I were going to buy some specifically for this I might go a little larger.

I overlapped the scarf the way I planned to wear it and marked the four spots where the buttons would go with pins. 

I carefully transferred my marker pins to the bottom layer, then straightened them out a bit so they were lined up properly.

I used embroidery floss to stitch a button at each mark.  The mistake I made was not sliding something under the button as I stitched so there would be some room underneath for buttoning the other layer on.  I worked the thread ends inside the scarf.

To button it, I just overlapped it again and pushed the buttons through the top side in the appropriate places.  For the sake of the scarf I will probably leave it buttoned and slip it over my head when I wear it.  I’m not sure how it would hold up to stretching over the buttons repeatedly.  

As I was writing this, my daughter walked into the room with a ball of yarn I donated to her newly formed stash and asked “What did you want me to make for you?”  I have a knitter!

- Staci Wendland

Introducing Arm Knitting

Last week when I was at the Craft and Hobby Association in California, I saw the most amazing make and take! It was called Arm Knitting! I had never heard of the technique and fabulous CRAZE that is sweeping the nation! But, after seeing everyone walking around the conference in their new scarves I had to check it out!

Trendy Vickie Howell, for Yarnspirations, was teaching hundreds over the week how to make these simple 20 minute scarves with just your hands! 

I had to check out Vickie's tutorial online to see if I could do it myself!


Now, after watching this video I had to hop into my car and rush to my local Craft Warehouse to gather some chunky fibers to try it out!

Once I got the hang of casting on, I was on a roll! You can see me go at it on our Instagram feed in this 15 second video. One tip that I want to  share with you would be to make sure that your tail end (not the working yarn attached to the ball of yarn) is very long (about 2 yards) when you make your slip knot. It is hard to see her tail end in the tutorial.

When looking for yarn to make your scarf, look for big bulky yarns for texture. Add as many strands as you would like! For my first, I used ivory, neutrals, and gold yarn!

Shown above are Pearl (gold) by Feza Yarns - one strand, Haciendo (ivory) by Plymouth Yarn - two strands; and Brio (color 9404) by Berroco - one strand

I have to admit I am hooked! I created two simple scarves and have enough yarn to make another one if I wanted! I made an infinity scarf by tying the ends together to wear around my neck as shown above. Then, I created one long enough to be able to  wrap twice around my neck, as shown below. I especially love the gold weaved through!

I hope you have been inspired to try this new trend out! It is fast and easy! I made both scarves in only 40 minutes! Stay tuned into our blog this week and next as we share some more designs! Depending on what yarn you use with this technique the scarf will look different! I can't wait to share more! Until then, happy knitting!

Westminister Lumio Yarn

Don’t be afraid of the dark! Walking with your neighbor or doing some early morning training; this yarn will let you been seen. It has been spun with a strand of reflective tape, giving it a glow that will keep you safe in the dark!

This new super bulky yarn has a reflective thread that runs through it! One skein will make one hat. 93% acrylic, 7% other fibers. Machine wash and dry. Not available in Medford.

* New Westminister Fibers Inc. Lumio Yarn advertized $14.99 a skein. Join our Facebook Weekend Giveaway where we are giving away 4 skeins plus a set of double pointed needles! Visit our Facebook page for details!