BETWEEN THE LINES COWL resulted from thinking about the creative opportunities that the yarn provided. I began by “harvesting” and reserving small balls of solid color from the multi-colored skein. Then, using a provisional cast on, I worked with the yarn as it came off the skein, occasionally inserting a new color of one of my harvested balls,...

Sometimes, simplicity is the key to a successful design…simplicity with a twist. Recognizing the qualities of your yarn can contribute to the finished project. In the case of my SECRET SQUARES COWL, I did both: I used the simple square as a motif and took advantage of the yarn’s long colorway, working from both ends of the skein and using a sim...

It’s all in the name, and in this case, the name says it all: As Easy as Pi Shawl. First, this pattern is based on mathematics; second, it is as easy as pie! Carefully choosing an appropriate yarn, in the case of the sample, an ombre, will add to the look of the finished shawl. So, enjoy this fun and simple pattern.

This cowl was designed to accompany my sweater pattern by the same name. My colleague, friend, and LYS owner, Dana, developed her own yarn and I designed the duo to celebrate her and this beautiful yarn. Many have expressed interest in the cowl pattern alone…so here it is! Easy and fun to make using one skein of this beautiful yarn! Enjoy!

When my friend, colleague, and local yarn shop owner Dana developed her own yarn, Isadora Popper REALLY ROSIE, I felt it was a cause for celebration. This beautiful yarn inspired me to create this special sweater/cowl combination, designed to be made by any advanced beginner knitter. It is versatile in that the sweater and cowl can be worn toge...

For the May-July 2012 issue of CAST ON Magazine, I published the first “Around” sock pattern titled “Once Around the Ankle Sock”. This is a new version with the cable going around the top of the sock instead of at the ankle. At first glance, this sock appears to be a simple, if stylish, traditional sock. However, on closer inspection, you think...

When my friend and colleague, Dana, announced that she had developed her own yarn – ISADORA POPPER’S Really Rosie -- a fantastic combination of cotton, alpaca, and wool -- I designed this scarf to celebrate her and her beautiful yarn. This simple but stylish lacy scarf (adapted from stitch pattern #63 in the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible) can ...

Occasionally there may be a need for a light-weight cowl; something easy to wear but not too bulky. In the case of this Tiara Cowl, using a fingering weight yarn and a simple lace pattern (taken from JAPANESE KNITTING STITCH BIBLE) fulfills the bill. Easy to knit and fun to wear…enjoy!

Easy to knit, this shawl can be worn in multiple ways. As shown it was made using one skein of fingering weight yarn, however if you want a larger shawl, then use multiple skeins. Enjoy!!!

Intarsia provides exciting creative opportunities. Larger blocks of color can be easily achieved without using classical stranding techniques. In the case of this pillowtop, I featured what I call “Garter Stitch Intarsia” …obviously worked in garter stitch but using the intarsia techniques to create color blocks. It is easy to work and offers a...

Intarsia provides exciting creative opportunities. Larger blocks of color can be easily achieved without using classical stranding techniques. In the case of this pillowtop, I featured the image of a black sheep – perfect for any knitter. It is finished with an attached I-Cord bind off, resulting in a sophisticated elegant accessory for many in...

Often, I am asked, “How do you come up with these crazy ideas”? My usual reply is that I use the “what if” technique. While working on a project, once I arrive at that place when the pattern is in my fingers and I don’t have to concentrate on it anymore and can just knit, my mind begins to wonder and I begin to think, “What if I do this on the ...

This short scarf is the perfect size for a cozy warm wrap around the neck on a cold winter night…OR…seam it together and it becomes a cowl. Either way, this classic Japanese stich pattern is an easy example of “lace knitting” as opposed to “knitted lace”. The difference, you ask. Lace knitting is created by working yarnovers on both the right s...

Throughout my design career, I have relied on a personal mantra of “Simplify and Exaggerate”. The STRIPES and FRILLS SHAWL is a perfect example of how such a philosophy can work. Simplified to two colors in bold garter stitch stripes and “finished” with a fanciful frilled edging, this shawl can be draped in countless ways to add a quiet and ele...

Mosaic Knitting, created in the ‘60s by Barbara Walker, is an easy and dramatic two-color technique of slipped stitches. Coupled with a corrugated rib, this hat, worked in the round in garter stitch, highlights the “magic” of Mosaic Knitting. Choosing highly contrasting colors will enhance the design even more. Or experiment with a solid color ...

Inspired by and named after a traditional Japanese paper umbrella, the KASA SHAWL is a study in knit and purl textures with simple short rows.

My entire design career I have relied on the mantra of “Simplify and then Exaggerate”. This shawl is a prime example of how simple things taken to the extreme can be sophisticated and elegant. Garter stitch stripes worked first in one direction and then in the other while playing with subtle – or strong – color studies make for a fun knit that ...

Relying on my life-long mantra of “simplify and then exaggerate”, the SEMAPHORE WRAP (the name inspired by naval signaling flags!) champions the idea of “color blocking” with the simple use of exaggerated stripes that vary in size and color. The resulting wrap can be styled in countless ways to highlight different “views” with every wear. Simpl...

As I drive through the rural area where I live, I often see old, sometimes rusted, (and I suspect obsolete) windmills. I have always been intrigued about the simple but strong silhouette that the blades of these former “power plants” offer. So, being ever open to visual inspiration it’s no wonder that this imagery finds it’s way into this shawl...

Wanting to create something for October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I immediately thought of the iconic pink ribbon. So how to best use this universally recognized symbol? It seems that in this day and age of cell phones and constant texting, everyone loves a pair of warm, yet useful, fingerless gloves. Voila! These gloves take ad...

I am always talking about “public knitting” and “private knitting”. The CROSSTRACKS SHAWL is one of those public knitting projects – it is easy to knit with mostly knit or purl rows and one row of K2tog, YO across. Easy Peasy!. Using interesting color combinations adds to the overall look. So enjoy!

One of the nicest things about knitting socks is you can create your “own” socks – ones that would be impossible to buy in a store. When I saw the beautiful palette of the Madrona Sock yarn, I was inspired to make these straightforward, but striking, striped socks. Mixing and matching colors and changing the stripes would, of course, work to ma...

Sometime simplicity is the best approach as demonstrated in repeating this impressive Japanese lace pattern over and over and creating an elegant, quiet, and stylish garment. Easy to remember, the repetitiveness of this stitch pattern makes for a very relaxing project. Enjoy!

The KISS (Knitted in Simple Stripes!) Shawl underscores the classic concepts of simple elegance. Quiet, yet strong, this shawl is worked in alternating bands of garter stitch and a simple open fretwork. Experimenting with different yarns, i.e. an ombre, or a calm multi-colored yarn can add additional interest. Consider working the bands in cont...

The EXPECTATIONS SHAWL captures the essence of what color – vivid color –adds to any project. This easy-to-knit shawl incorporates simple stranded knitting with stockinette and reverse stockinette stitching and finishes in a bold attached I-Cord bind off. The anticipation – or EXPECTATION -- of that bind off is such fun. Happy Knitting!

Naming patterns is not always the easiest thing to do. In the case of FANtastic, the piece seemed to name itself as it “fanned” out as it developed. Hopefully it is “fantastic” as well…a double meaning to the name. Easy to knit, with simple wrap and turn short rows, this shawl offers endless possibilities of styling as it “fans” across the body...

This colorful cowl is a fun and creative knit that highlights what I call “Garter Stitch Intarsia” and features a provisional cast on and an easy garter stitch grafting. Five colors – you can use more or less! – combine to create a continuous tube that layers around the neck to create endless looks. The finished look can be completely altered b...

Inspired by the classic Hudson Bay Company blankets that date back to 1779, this fun knit has taken a bit of liberty with the colors while maintaining the “spirit” of these iconic stripes, resulting in a simple, and distinctive scarf. Knitted entirely in Garter Stitch (Knit every row) the optional fringe adds a bit of whimsy, making wearing an ...

There is something rather comfortable about a collection of lines, one after another, that combine to create a sense of order and at the same time: contrast. LINE BY LINE is a simple knit that encourages interesting color choices. Creative styling, as you wear it, will increase the specialness of this shawl. Happy Knitting!

To me, there is always something special about keeping things simple…in this case the simplicity of garter stitch bands in contrast to a mesh lace. Sometimes when working so simply there is a special surprise – that AHA moment. It happened here when the bands, because of the vertical “spines”, created a surprise with the zig-zag movement throug...

Throughout my design career, I have successfully relied on the mantra of “Simplify and then Exaggerate”. This shawl is a good example: it is SIMPLE in it highlights a garter stitch pattern and an easy lace pattern which, combined, repeat in EXAGGERATED bold diagonal stripes. Easy to make by an advanced beginner knitter it can be varied by choic...

If you ask me there are two iconic images that immediately confirms the Christmas season: Ornaments and Gift Giving. These festive “ornaments” are designed to top off a nice bottle of wine making it festive and memorable. Easy and fun to make, they will no doubt put everyone in the spirit of the holiday. Cheers!

There is nothing that says “Christmas” any more than a favorite Christmas ornament for the tree! So why not make them. This simple, easy to knit, pattern provides the basics with some variation on the theme. Hopefully these examples will inspire your own special creations, so get your needles out and get busy making some special heirlooms to de...

Fun Bobbles encircled by festive rings separate this special Christmas Stocking from all others. Easy to make, especially using the detailed photographs, this stocking, will no doubt, add a smile to any Christmas fan. Happy Knitting!

Everyone needs a warm hat and scarf to stay cozy and comfortable during the colder months and what could be more fun and jovial than just such a collection __ A Christmas Collection -- for your favorite wine bottles. Such a lovely way to share a nice bottle of cheer…so, enjoy and smile as you knit away!!!

Red, White, and Green!…these colors alone and can get one into the Christmas spirit in a minute. How appropriate -- and delightful! - to have a special hand-made stocking that is perfect to capture that spirit. Here it is -- Happy Knitting and Merry Christmas!

There is nothing that says “Christmas” any more than a classic green wreath, especially one bedazzled with sparkling red beads. So, what could be more “classic” than a wreath stocking? Using a fun technique of knitted-in TWISTS, each highlighted with a bead, this stocking is really fun to make and even more fun to fill with those special Santa ...

Gift giving of special bottles of wine is an age-old tradition. Making that gesture even more special is easy when these bottles are wrapped in their own festive “sack” that simply but strongly, proclaim, “Happy Holidays”! Here are to options for your consideration: one with broad stripes and a fancy ruffle and the second with an iconic beaded ...

The next time you attend a festive party -- especially a holiday party -- what could make a better gift than a easy bottle bedecked in its own fancy wreath collar? So easy to make and such fun to see the beaded twists come to life. It’s time to get your needles and beads out and get busy. The holidays come quicker than you think. OH -- PS: This...

SUMMER SERAPE captures the spirit of the Southwest through color, pattern, and texture. Easy to knit -- it’s just two rectangles joined to leave an neck opening -- and fun to wear, this simple garment will add just that special “something” to any outfit. Change the colors and magic can happen. Enjoy!

A very quick and fun hat, featuring a simple intarsia pattern and fun pompom ears!!!

A very quick knit that incorporates a very simple intarsia pattern. It promises to please any small one in your life!

A simple checkerboard pattern using creative colors creates a playful hat, written in five sizes from Child Medium to Adult Large, that is easy to make and fun to wear. Try different colors to add even more interest and character. Or finish the top with a cinched top, an I-Cord knot, or a pompom. Happy Knitting!!!

What is more fun than a simple hat with simple colorful stripes running around? Easy to knit and fun to wear, with or without a pompom or a simple top knot, this hat, knitted in the round and written in five sizes, from a Child’s Medium to Adult Large, this hat will make anyone smile, from young to old. Happy

Tall slender vertical stripes of alternating colors enhance this playful hat with an added benefit in that the stranding provides just that small bit of extra yarn to make this hat warm and cozy. By experimenting with different color combinations you can make this fun hat as sophisticated or playful as you like.

There is no need to Zig AND Zag around your hat when you can just ZAG! Such a colorful way to brighten up any cold winter day. Think about using different colors for each “zag”. Fun! Fun! Fun!

This scarf takes two balls of yarn and works 6 rows of garter stitch in one color and then 6 rows of the next color to take full advantage of the long color ways that Kauni is known for. It can, of course be worked with any colorful yarns -- perhaps alternating with a solid and then a multi colored -- experiment!

There is nothing more basic than simple stripes and a triangular shawl to provide endless high-styled possibilities. And when you combine those winning combos with the third dimension of dynamic shades of brilliant color, well, there is nothing to say but, WINNER! This simple garter stitch shawl takes full advantage of the magic of the extra lo...

Using one skein of Schoppel’s Zauberball, this “basic” sock becomes extra special by merely creating two smaller balls of yarn from the skein to create simple but strong alternating stripes. It’s great fun to see the fascinating colors of the yarn come to life. Written for five sizes, the pattern calls for DPNs (Double Point Needles). It can, h...

Who doesn’t enjoy wearing flip-flops? If you are like me, I like wearing them year round! But let’s face it; there are some days when, as comfortable as flip-flops are, it is just a bit too cool for them. No problem, I say -- wear them with some colorful boldly striped socks! After all the Japanese have been wearing these “Tabi-Toed” socks sinc...

In my continued interest and fascination with the TWISTED TRAVELING STITCH technique I am pleased to have used the Notre Dame Cathedral Rose Window as inspiration for another hat pattern. Although not an exact copy of that beautiful window, I hope it captures the spirit of that beautiful edifice. As I was working on it, I certainly had many fon...

This pattern was originally designed using a New Zealand Yarn:

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPED SOCK

JULIE’S CHRISTMAS SOCK

CHRISTMAS WREATH SOCKS

CHRISTMAS TREE SOCKS

Skill Level

Skill Level

Skill Level

Skill Level

Skill Level

Fun to make, this vest incorporates a number of “hints” and tricks that make it a great learning project. And most important, “HE” will enjoy wearing it. Classic cables and generous ease compliment the straightforward silhouette that flatters almost any figure.

This pattern first appeared on the cover of CAST ON magazine and was designed specifically for their feature on bobbles. Although these socks appear difficult to make, in fact, they are quiet easy and fun. Featuring a reverse stockinette stitch bobble, placed on a grid of reverse stockinette that creates the basket-like effect. It’s fun to watc...

At first glance, this sock appears to be a simple, if stylish, traditional sock. However, on closer inspection, you think, “Wait a minute. How did they do that? Cables don’t run horizontally”.