Tea for Tuesday - Pottery Barn Inspired Mug Mat

A cool bistro stripe on a cute little mug mat.  Very nautical.  And inspired by a rug...


This is the original rug.  Don't these stripes just SCREAM BEACH to you?  This makes me think of someone's summer home out in the Hamptons, probably on their screen porch that overlooks the water.  Where they sit and sip Long Island Iced Tea.  Before they go have dinner at Ina Garten's house.  But I digress...

SOURCE

So the lesson today is this:  you can find inspiration anywhere.  And when you find it, use it.  Let's use this inspiration to make a mug mat.

You will need graph paper, a ruler to make straight sides, a pencil and eraser, colored pencils, cotton worsted weight yarn in your choice of colors (this is a good way to use up some stash), a yarn needle or small crochet hook, and the size needles you prefer.  Mine are size 7's.

If you see something that catches your eye, and you'd like to make if for yourself but just aren't sure where to start, a graph paper sketch will help you immensely! I've used this technique for everything from quilt blocks, to afghans, and now a mug mat.  I even designed our community garden with graph paper!

So I started with my graph paper to sketch out how I want my "rug" to look.  How many stitches wide?  How many rows long?  How wide do I want the stripes.

This original sketch was 20 stitches wide by 32 rows long.  Then I added the stripes.

You can see that I miscounted where I started, so I had an extra row on the end.  This pattern would have been fine, until I started to knit it out.  Twenty stitches was just not wide enough.  Then as I worked my way through the chart, it just didn't look right.  The rows, as they were sketched, were too narrow.  Now, each row on the chart is two rows in height.

So here's what I came up with:

And here's the pattern:
Cast on 28 stitches.
Rows 1-8:  Knit in ivory.  Change color by looping the blue over your needle.  Leave the ivory attached.

Don't worry if your first stitch seems really loose and sloppy - you can tighten it up in just a minute.  Be sure to leave a tail of the blue yarn about 2" long.
Rows 9-16:  Knit in blue.  Once you get in a few stitches of the blue in row 9, pull the tail of the blue and the connected yarn of the ivory to tighten the stitches.  Not too tight - just enough that they are the same as your other stitches.

Our something new today is how to carry the yarn of another color from one section to the next.  After working row 10, loop your ball of blue under the ivory and up behind it.  This will carry your ivory yarn up to the next section, and hide it pretty well, too.  This side edge will still look pretty finished, which is one of those little details that makes the difference between homemade and handcrafted.  Every time you finish an even number row from here on out, loop your working yarn under the yarn you are carrying.

Rows 17-20:  Knit in ivory.  Do the under and up thing again with the ivory.

Now you will add your third color - the brown.  It's ok - don't panic.  You already know what to do.  Just do the same thing you did with the blue, except now, you have to go under both the ivory and the blue when you get to the end of an even row.  As you continue, you'll have to be careful to not get these side threads tangled.  And they will - trust me.  It happens.  Just take your time with it.

Rows 21-24:  Knit in brown.
Rows 25-28:  Knit in ivory.
Rows 29-36:  Knit in blue.
Rows 37- 44:  Knit in ivory.

Let's look at how to bind this off.  Start by cutting the brown and blue.  You've carried them all the way up here, now it's time to set them free.  Be sure to leave tails that are about 2-3" long.

We'll do a typical knit bind off.  Start by knitting the first stitch.  Pull the tails between this stitch and the next, bringing them to the front from the back.  Knit the second stitch.  Flip the tails to the back.  Pull the first knit stitch up and over the second.  Leave the tails in the back.  Just leave them there.  Continue binding off the rest of the way across.  Cut the ivory yarn, pull the tail through the last loop to make a knot, and you are done.  Work all the tails in on the back side, and trim.

Et voila!  You have a new mug mat!

And let's play my favorite game:  What Else Can You Do with It!  Well, let's start with the basic design.  Make it wider, make it longer.  Do both and make a scarf.  Change the colors.  Do two instead of three.  Do every row a different color to use up your stash.  Make the stripes thicker or thinner.  Add fringe.

Let your imagination and your graph paper be your guide!

Have fun!

Craftivism Challenge Link-Up

Here we are already at the end of Feburary!  Time to show and share about your beautiful HeartScarves.  Remember, mail them to:

WomenHeart HeartScarves Program

c/o Big Show Fulfillment

1525 Gin Road

Gold Hill, NC 28071

Thanks again for all your efforts!

February Craftivism Challenge - Knit HeartScarf Pattern

Let's practice our knitting skills some more, and learn something new...

You will need about 3 balls of Lion Brand Hometown Yarn (or similar super bulky yarn) in red.  Just make sure your bulky yarn is red for the HeartScarf project.  Lion Brand has Tampa Spice or Cincinatti Red in the Hometown.  Red Heart has Red Heart Chunky in Berry Breeze (which appears to be reds and hot pinks on the screen).  I am using a red super bulky which was donated to me by a friend, and the amount is approximately 8 ounces.  You can also hold together 2 strands of worsted weight yarn in red.

You will also need chunky size needles.  Mine are 17's.  I think you could use anything size 13 or above.

So let's start with the basics.  Start by casting on 12.

So the pattern goes like this:
Row 1 (and all odd rows):  Knit across
Row 2 (and all even rows):  K2, p8, k2.  The k2's on each row keep your scarf from curling in on itself.

This pattern (knit one row, purl one row) is called stockinette stitch.  This produces the texture we usually associate with a knit item.  The Special Olympics Scarf we made in November and the dishcloth we made in December are all knit.  This is called garter stitch.  If you ever see these terms in a pattern in the future, you'll know what the designer has intended.  Let me show you a couple samples so you can see what I mean.

This is the back of my scarf (in progress).  It has all the loops/bumps.  This is what garter stitch looks like on both sides.

This is the front of my scarf (in progress).  It has the smooth columns of v's.  This is what stockinette stitch looks like.

Did you catch my crazy trick?  I have made projects in stockinette stitch in the past.  While making them, I would {NEVER} be interruped and then, of course, would {NEVER} forget whether I was knitting or purling.  NEVER - HA!  So, I find a way to mark one of my needles to represent the purl.  In this case, I happen to have 2 sets of size 17's in 2 different colors.  I use the purple for the purl.  You can put a piece of painters' tape or masking tape on the head of your needle, mark a plastic needle with a Sharpie, whatever works for you.

Continue knitting and purling until desired length (60"), knit one row and bind off.

Now, one of the neat things about stockinette stitch is that you can use the v's to do cross-stitch on.  You can stitch on stripes, or shapes (like a heart), or a monogram.  That's if you want to.  I chose not to do that this time.  By the way, if you want the LOOK of argyle (you know, all those really cool diamonds with the intersecting lines), but don't want to try to knit it - think cross-stitch!

If you'd like a fancier border, you can crochet around the edges (like we did for our cup cozy).

Add fringe if you want to. You could use a thinner/lighter weight red for the fringe.

If you need a practical present in a hurry, these are GREAT!  Make a bunch in different colors for all your friends and relations.  Or, make a bunch, then stitch them together to make a nice throw.  Use the basic stockinette pattern with a longer chain to make a baby afghan.  Use smaller needles and lighter yarn or use multiple strands of yarn and Speed Stix (size 50's).

Next weekend, I'll have a linky up again, so we can link to each others' projects.  Come back and link up!

Have fun knitting!

Tea for Tuesday - Knit Heart Mug Mat and Tutorial

A great project to boost your new knitting skills, make as a gift for someone special, or keep for your favorite cup of java.

So how cute is this little mug mat?!

We'll practice the knit stitch (k), learn to purl (p), follow a "real" pattern, and how to weave in your beginning tail.  Before we begin, though, if you are left-handed, READ THIS:

***LEFT-HANDED DISCLAIMER***

We are going to use this pattern from FaveCrafts.com.  If you need a pattern for a project, FaveCrafts is the place to go to get one free.  They have everything from sewing to knitting to crocheting and more.  Go check them out sometime when you have a chance.

For this project, you will need:
1 ball of cotton worsted weight yarn (like Sugar-n-Cream), your choice of colors (I used a hot pink)
Size 6 needles (I used 7's)
Size D crochet hook
yarn needle
piece of scrap cardboard
ruler
scissors

Following the pattern, cast on 19 stitches.

The first row of the pattern is just a plain knit stitch (k), but here's where you start to weave in that leftover tail of yarn.  Start by knitting 1 stitch.

Flip tail yarn away from you, towards the back of the work.  Knit 1 more stitch.

Flip the tail back toward you.  Continue moving the tail back and forth between stitches until you are about half way across the row.   Finish knitting the row, then knit 2 more rows.

So this is where our next new stitch comes in.  Start by knitting 9 stitches.

The next stitch is a purl (p).  Begin by bringing your working yarn forward to the front of your piece.

Insert the right needle into the loop on the left needle from right to left, on the front side of the needle.

Loop working yarn UNDER the right needle.

Pull through the loop on the needle.  Slide old loop off the left needle.  It's just like a knit stitch, but in reverse.  By working k's and p's, the yarn creates "bumps" on one side and a smooth side (what we typically recognize as a knitted texture) on the other.  Switching back and forth allows the knitter to control where the bumps are, which in this pattern, creates the little heart.

By the way, when I first learned to purl, I CONSTANTLY would lose my stitch off my needle.  If this happens to you, DON'T PANIC!  Just slide your left needle CAREFULLY back into the little loop and try again.  Keep trying until you get it - remember, practice patience and persistence.

Now you will knit the other 9 stitches across the row.  I know just making 1 purl stitch isn't going to teach you how to do it very well, so that's why this pattern is really great.  Continue following the pattern, working k's and p's as directed.  After 6 rows, you'll start to see the bottom of the heart.

After 12 rows, it's starting to really shape up!

Since this pattern does involve some accurate counting, be sure to mark your pattern as needed to keep track of your progress.

Before you know it, you'll be all the way to the top!  Bind off and fasten off.  Use your yarn needle or crochet hook to weave the loose end in on the back side.  If you need to, use the hook to pull the beginning tail to the back side, too.

Now if you want, you can stop here.  The mug mat in the original pattern photo has fringe, and if you'd like to add fringe to yours, here's how to do it.

Cut a rectangle from scrap cardboard (think cereal box - I used a leftover butter box) that's approximately 5" long.  It doesn't have to be exact - it's not like it's a heat shield tile on the space shuttle.

Wrap the yarn around the rectangle LENGTHWISE 19 times, ending when you get back to the top of the rectangle on the back side.

Remove the cardboard.

Snip the top loops with scissors.

Snip the bottom loops.

To add this fringe to your mug mat, insert your crochet hook from BACK TO FRONT in the corner of the base row.

Loop one of the fringies over the hook.

Pull through, then loop the tails over the hook.

Pull those through the loop on your hook.  Pull tight.

It should look like this.

Work across both the base row and the top row.

When you get all the way across, both rows, use a ruler to trim your fringe.

And then you are all done.  Now, you can knit anything - all knitting is knits, purls, and yarn overs/unders - even cables.  Aren't you just so talented and clever!  Make one of these or a dozen.  Make them in all reds, pinks and whites for St. Valentine's Day.  Make them with larger needles, in pastels, and stitch them together to make a cute baby afghan.  Make a bunch in a friend's favorite color, and stitch them together to make her a throw for her birthday or a scarf for Christmas.  Quite a lot of versatility for a little heart!

Enjoy your newest knitting stitch!

Opportunity to Save $$ on Craft and Sewing Supplies

If you are a teacher or homeschooler, this weekend is a great chance to save some extra $$$ on sewing and crafting supplies.  JoAnn Fabrics is having their Teacher Appreciation Days on Saturday and Sunday.  Sign up for your card, and save 20% off your entire purchase.

Remember your new mantra:  On Sale and With a Coupon.  Here's a guaranteed coupon every time you visit.  Just show your card and get 15% off your entire purchase every single day.  Save even more on Teacher Appreciation Days.

Oh, and the real bonus - Michael's also accepts your teacher discount card.  Save 15% there, too.

Use this for purchasing supplies for our Craftivism Challenge coming up tomorrow!

Twenty Five Treats for the Holidays - Day 4

Today's treat is some quiet time for yourself to just do a little knitting.  Here's a project to keep or to give - a handknit dishcloth. 

Now, let me tell you, it doesn't sound all that exciting, but these dishcloths are amazing multi-taskers! First, they are rugged and tough, and don't wimp out on tough jobs like scrubbing goopy messes from a stovetop. They are gentle enough to be used for a child's washcloth. When dry, they make great dusting cloths.  They are also THE PERFECT SIZE for a woman's hand - not too big, not too small.

Make one or a bunch to give away, and use fun colors to brighten up those dreary jobs!
If you knitted along on the scarf for Special Olympics during our Nine Days of Knitting, this pattern will sound EXREMELY familiar.  Actually, it's been the basis for many patterns of items I've made, including baby afghans.  It's all over the internet under various names, but I learned it as...

Granny's Favorite Dishcloth
1 ball cotton worsted weight yarn, your choice of color and brand (Peaches and Creme, for example)
Size 7 or 8 knitting needles - use whichever you feel most comfortable with - I've used both

Cast on 4 stitches.  Knit across
K2, yo, k across.
Repeat until you have 44 stitches.
K1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k across.
Repeat until you have 4 stitches.
Knit across.
Bind off.

So the dishcloth is basically the points of our scarves, but with more stitches, and no straight sides in between.  Your finished cloth should be about 7" across each side.  A little bigger, a little smaller, no big deal.  It's a dishcloth, not a prom dress.

There are several brands of 100% cotton yarn on the market - I've used Sugar-n-Cream and Peaches-n-Creme, whichever is available at whatever store I'm at and is on sale.  Usually, a ball runs about $2, and you can make 2 dishcloths from it.

So take some time for you today - curl up in a comfy chair, put your feet up, and make yourself a dishcloth or a dozen!

The Nine Days of Knitting - Wrap Up

So if you followed along, and finished your scarf yesterday, here is what your scarf should look like:

It is being modeled by our lovely telescope.  Don't you love the big color blocks - so fun!

If you missed the tutorial, here are the links:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

If you are an experienced knitter, and would just like the pattern, here it is:
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, 1 skein each Cherry Red and Soft Navy
Size 10 needles
yarn needle or small crochet hook

Start with color of choice (I used red)
Cast on 4 stitches.  Knit across
Row 1: K2, yo, k2
Row 2:  K2, yo, k across.
Repeat row 2 until you've reached 33 stitches.
K2, yo, k2tog, k across.
Repeat this pattern until you've reached 30 ", then change to other color.
Continue in pattern for another 30"
Work decreases as follows:
K1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k across.
Repeat until you have 4 stitches remaining.
Knit all 4 stitches, then bind off.  Weave in ends with yarn needle or small crochet hook.

If you use larger needles, you could hold 2 strands of the same or different colors.  Even 2 different types of yarns - for example, a regular worsted weight and a textured yarn like Homespun.  Or even just use a really bulky yarn.  Mix up how often you want stripes.

Play with it and have some fun!

The Nine Days of Knitting - Tutorial and Knitalong - Day 9 - Finishing Up

Well, today is Day 9 - the big day!  We're all done!

So, after yesterday, your scarf should look like this:

Pretty nifty!  So now we need to bind off (sometimes it's called casting off - like casting on - just in case you see it in a pattern that way, don't freak out).

Start by knitting the first stitch.

Next, knit the second stitch.  Nothing too hard, right?

Ok, so this is the tricky part.  Using your left needle, slide the first stitch up and over the second stitch.  Here's a photo when I was near the end that shows it best.

The left needle has already pulled the stitch up and over, so now you can slide it off the right needle.  Like this:

Here's another view:

Now slip

And slide

Knit the next stitch, then slip and slide, all the way across until you are down to one stitch.  Use your needle to make that stitch a big loop, then remove your needle.  Pull a yarn loop through your big stitch, and cut the center of the loop you just pulled through.  Now pull tight.  You are done!  If you'd like, make another knot to secure your work.  I do this just because I'm pretty sure these will get washed in a wash machine.  You never know if someone else will think to use the gentle cycle or not.

So now you have this amazing scarf that's all done, but it has all these strings hanging all over it.  What do you do?  Use a yarn needle or smaller crochet hook, pull the ends through the loops of the stitches on the back side.  That's the side where you can really see the color change.  On the front, it should go straight from red to navy.  On the back, there will be some double-colored loops.  That's the side you want your ends to be woven into.  Weave the ends into the loops on the edges (where we did all those knit 2's).  Trim if necessary.

When I make anything that's a variation on this pattern (technically, it's a dishcloth), I also knot the bottom end where I started.  I pull a loop through what I call the base loop.

I also make a knot (or 2) for the same reason I make sure to knot the top, and I make sure to weave in the ends.

So now that you're done, here's what you need to do next.  Go to the official Scarves for Special Olympics website for directions on packaging and mailing.  Pay special attention to the deadlines for each individual state!


Congratulations!