Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas
How exciting is this? The awesome editors over at KnitCircus have agreed to give away pattern packs from the current issue to 5 lucky commenters! Below are just a few samples of what you’ll find in this issue, also included are table runners, coffee mug cozies and socks.
Leave me a comment telling me all about your summer knitting!
Giveaway ends next Friday, June (OMG is it June already??) 4, 2010. Ready….set…..GO!!
When I discovered Kate Atherley’s book Circular Knitting for Beginners and Beyond, I wasn’t sure there was enough to say about circular knitting to fill a book. It’s a pretty short book (144 pages) and includes 10 patterns to practice working in the round on small projects, and it provides a decent introduction to the various ways of working in the round.
The book covers using double pointed knitting needles, flexible double points and circular knitting needles with cables. It talks about working using the full circumference of a circular needle and various ways to work smaller circumference projects, such as using DPNs, magic loop and knitting with two circular knitting needles.
In addition there’s a discussion of preventing problems like twists and ladders, swatching in the round without actually swatching in the round, grafting, blocking and weaving in ends.
More specialized techniques likes knitting from the center out, stranded colorwork, helical knitting and jogless stripes are also explored, as well as working pieces like socks or mitts two at a time.
There’s also some information about seamless sweaters, including the different sweater designs that can be worked seamlessly (and why you might want seams in your sweaters) and how they are worked from the top down or the bottom up.
There are 10 patterns in the book, including a basic stockinette stitch cowl and one with a deliberate twist, wrist warmers, mitts and a pair of colorwork mittens, a hat worked in a solid color or in helical stripes, toe up and top down socks and a beret. It would have been nice to have a basic sweater pattern, too, since the book does talk about working larger garments with circular needles, but it’s still a nice collection of basic patterns worked in the round.
If you’re already comfortable working in the round in different ways, I’m not sure there’s much for you to learn in this book, but it is a good reference for people learning circular knitting or who maybe haven’t tried all the techniques yet or need skill building projects to try.
About the book: 144 pages, paperback, 10 patterns. Published 2026 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99.
I’m participating in two KAL in the KnitPicks Lovers group on Ravelry. I also plan to knit Kat Coyle’s Short-Row Skirt and start my winter knitting in August.
This summer I’m knitting a project that will take some time, it’s the Totally Autumn throw in Knitty 2007 fall issue knitted in Trendsetter Vigna Spanish Sunset. I recently had total knee replacement surgery and will be off work for at least two months, the only thing that keeps me sane is knitting. To avoid one project burn out I’m also working on a Potluck wool hat for my husband. In between those two projects I’m knitting washclothes and plan to begin a pair of socks.
I just love great giveaways! This summer I’m working on Christmas gifts that includes socks, shawlettes, and dishcloths/soap sacks. I’m also working on a cardigan for myself.
I’ve always got one or two pairs of socks going. I use the double circ, two at a time method. Makes it easy to complete a pair of socks in a hurry and on the go. I also have a baby shrug in the works. After that I am going to knit something for myself for a change (besides socks)! Still narrowing down the pattern. Have some fabulous cottons and super merino blends in my stash for inspiration.
socks, cardigans, beaded scarf….and something with my own home spun yarn
I’d love to win!
My summer knitting, is a summer top in CEY Firefly, and a baby sweater for my granddaughter.
I can’t wait to get my knitting needles out for the projects in this book
I have been rediscovering cotton yarn this summer. i am making water bottle and wine bottle carriers and bathing suit covers!
I am working on stockings for Christmas presents. It is very relaxing for me in the evening before bedtime.
I have been knitting sock’s & makeing dish towel’s. All so reading alot of good books by Jennifer Weiner.