Pete Sampras, King of Swing meets Queen of Sticks
July 23rd, 2011 § 3 Comments
Since the dawn of my knitting time I have been knitting English style. Pretty and even as it may be, I have learned it is slow. I have seen the continental style of knitting, and have even done it on occasion, though with varied success, as my stitches have lost their previous perfection in consistence. My knitname “the machine,” referring to how perfect my little stitches look, is lost. Alas, I have stuck with the English style to retain perfection, and loose speed.
So, I have made a decision …
Yesterday my good friend Jensen and I were chatting on our hour long drive to MotoGP about Corporate America’s inability to embrace short term loss for long term gain based on misunderstanding and unwilliness to forsake ROI—Oh God, don’t worry, I’m almost done talking about Corporate America. He told me a story, of which I don’t have specifics and I will paraphrase, so don’t correct me if I’m wrong it doesn’t matter. Back in the day there was a fellow who played Tennis. You may have heard of him, his name is Pete Sampras. Well, he was really f*cking good, but wasn’t the best. See, he was doing a double-handed backhand, which kept him just out of the #1 Tennis Play of the World ranking. His coach decided to give it to him straight, telling him that he’d never be The Best if he kept doing the double handed backhand. So, he learned the new technique, and took a serious tumble in the rankings. He learned, caught back up, fought back and eventually became The One in Tennis. Lesson learned? Old dogs can learn new tricks, but sacrifice must be made.
The similarity is SHOCKING, I know.
Backtracking further, I had already decided to take this leap last Sunday, thus starting a second OWLs sweater, this time for myself. I am making great progress, and getting much more comfortable, but my stitches aren’t “pretty” yet. Though, looking at the grand scheme of things, by this time last year I hadn’t ever even made/finished one single sweater. So I think it is best that I learn now. Using some of the left over yarn (Berroco Comfort) from my Rihanna Inspired Nautical Cropped Pullover, I have convinced Ramon that this sweater is not a waste of time, as I am: 1. learning something really, really new, even though I have already done this pattern once, and 2. Since the yarn is black, it is doing a great job at helping to hide my mistakes.
Far and away the most exciting picture I have ever published on Project-Hallway.com, my owls sweater in progress:
I have also been working on a number of other knitting project, including slowly plugging away on my 12in11project, the Lace Panel Tunic with “thread” (Malabrigo Lace yarn in Azul Bolita).
While i am not working on this in contentinal kntting style, it is c h a l l e n g i n g to say the least. It is like knitting with thread. Ironically, this project hurts my hands more than working the previously unused muscles in my hands from switching styles. As it takes 1 1/2 hours to knit one inch onto this bad boy, I am thinking about doing something different with the sleeves, meaning, short, not long blouson sleeves. Ugh.
Rihanna Inspired Nautical Cropped Pullover
July 1st, 2011 § 5 Comments
About a month ago I saw Rihanna perform on NBC’s Today Show. She was wearing a cute little, nautical cropped top. I loved the contrast of the bold primary blue with the deep, rich black.
I thought it would be fun to re-create the cute pullover using chunky yarn. I can see that Rihanna’s is some type of knit fabric, and is also cropped very close to the bust. For this version, it is still quite cropped, but a little more modestly. I used a plump weight yarn that is machine washable, Berroco Comfort, which makes this sweater a little more bulky than the original. The pattern is written so that it is very fitted, and it is intended to be worn in this fashion.
The bodice (front and back) parts of this pattern are written from the bottom up. The sleeves, however, are written from the top down. This isn’t intended to cause confusion, but rather to make things easier. As I feel there are a lot of options for lengths, and a lot of different types of people out there, by writing the sleeves from the top down it will be easier to alter, extend, shorten, or whatever you would like to the length of the sleeve. When you start from the bottom and work your way up, you can run into some fitting issues. I have also included FOUR versions of the sleeves: Regular and Petite sizing, as well as Regular and Petite sizing including the “Hand Mit.” The hand mit closely resembles Rihanna’s top, where the sleeve comes all of the way over the hand, and includes a thumb-hole. As I prefer the sweater to end at the wrist, I have completed my sample without the hand-mit.
This sweater is very quick and easy to knit. As Berroco Comfort comes in so many amazing colors, the color combinations possible are limitless. One could add length, or make it even more cropped, like her version. Short or 3-quarter length sleeves could be adapted from this pattern by the user. I had a lot of fun making—and now wearing—this sweater, and I hope that you do, too. This is also the same yarn that I used for the Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie and the Striped Kangaroo Hoodie. I have really come to love this yarn, and one can find lots of great Berroco Yarn information and ideas on the Berroco Blog, too.
For the time being I have made this sweater pattern free. Generally when I release a pattern for free, even despite that my copyright that is included, I find people stealing my pattern and selling it, or selling goods made from my pattern. Upon the discovery that the copyright for this pattern has been violated, it will no longer be free, and I will make it available for sale only. Please don’t steal my pattern. It hurts everyone.
You can check this pattern on ravelry.com for yarn ideas, too 
My fashion sketches, in an effort to keep practicing my drawing skills:
SIZING
Regular
XS (S, M) L
FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS
- Chest Measurement:
31″ (33″, 36″) 39″ - Length of Bodice from Shoulder Tip:
13″ (13″, 14″) 14″
YARN
- Color A, 2 (2, 2) 2 Hanks Berroco Comfort #9736 “Primary Blue”
- Color B, 2 (2, 2) 2 Hanks Berroco Comfort #9734 “Liquorice”
NEEDLES
- US 7 (4.5mm) Straight needles (or Circular based on preference) for Ribbing.
- US 7 (4.5mm) 16″ Circular Needle for Neck Ribbing.
- US 8 (5.0mm) Straight needles or Circular needles based on preference.
GAUGE
- 18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4×4″
NOTIONS
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends.
- 1 Stitch Marker
ABBREVIATIONS
- STS Stitches
- CO Cast On
- K Knit
- P Purl
- K2TOG TOG Knit 2 stitches together
- SSK Slip Slip Knit
- P2TOG Purl 2 Together
- KFTB Knit Front to Back
- SSP Slip Slip Purl
- PM Place Marker, Indicates beginning of round
- Pick-Up Pick Up stitches,
- BO Bind Off
- RS Right Side of garment
- WS Wrong Side of garment
BACK
Each Stripe is made up of 24 (24, 26) 26 rows. Carry the yarn that is not being used up the side, wrapping around the other yarn to secure. While it is not indicated where to switch yarn colors, remember to do it after the specified number of rows.
RIBBING
In Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles CO 62(66, 74)80 sts. If using circular needle, do not join. Begin K2, P2, Rib Stitch through end of row, RS.
Work 5(5,7)7 more rows even in Rib Stitch pattern ending with a WS row.
BUST SHAPING
On RS, In Color B, with size US 8 (5.0mm) needles, begin Stockinette Stitch, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K1. Work 7 more rows even in Stockinette Stitch, ending with a WS row.
Repeat increase 3 more times.
70(74, 82)88 sts.
Work 4(4,6)6 rows even
ARMHOLE SHAPING
On RS, BO 4 stitches on the beginning of the next 2 rows.
K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. P on WS.
P1, SSP, P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1
Repeat this decrease 1 more time. (Should complete one full stripe.)
On RS, switch to Color A, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. P on WS.
P on WS.
Repeat this decrease 2 more times. 48(52, 60)66 sts **
BACK NECKLINE AND SHOULDER SHAPING
Work 18(18, 20)20 more rows even. (Should complete one full stripe.)
Switch to Color B, work 2 rows even.
K 17(17, 22)22 sts. BO 14(18, 16)22, K 17(17, 22)22. P on WS.
K1, K2TOG, K to end.
P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to across. BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P 6(6, 8)8.
K to across. BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
Return to remaining 17(17, 22)22 sts. Join in yarn on neckline edge. P across on WS.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1.
P1, SSP, P to end.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to across. On WS, BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts.
K to across. On WS, BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
FRONT
Work the Front identically to Back until **
FRONT NECKLINE AND SHOULDER SHAPING
Work 6(6, 8)8 more rows even.
Switch to Color B, work 2 rows even.
K 21(21, 26)26 sts. BO 6(10, 8)14, K 21(21, 26)26. P on WS.
K1, K2TOG, K to end.
P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1.
Repeat 1 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. P on WS.
Repeat 1(1, 2)2 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 1 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. Work 8 rows even.
K to across. BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P 6(6, 8)8.
K to across. BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
Return to remaining 21(21, 26)26 sts. Join in yarn on neckline edge. P across on WS.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1.
P1, SSP, P to end.
Repeat 1 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 1 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. Work 8 rows even.
K to across. On WS, BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts.
K to across. On WS, BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
SLEEVES
Make 2 alike.
Remember, Each Stripe is made up of 24 (24, 26) 26 rows. Carry the yarn that is not being used up the side, wrapping around the other yarn to secure. Except where specifically indicated in the Sleeve Cap, remember to switch the yarn color after the specified number of rows.
SLEEVE CAP SHAPING
In Color B, with size US 8 (5.0mm) needles, CO 6(6, 6)10
Working in Stockinette Stitch, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P1, PFTB, P to 3 sts before end of row, PFTB, P2.
Repeat previous two increases 2(2, 3)3 more times. 18(18, 22)26 sts.
In Color A, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. P on WS.
Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 2 more times.
K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. P on WS.
Repeat 1 more times.
ARMHOLE SHAPING
In Color B, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P1, PFTB, P to 3 sts before end of row, PFTB, P2.
Repeat 1 more time.
C0 4 sts at the beginning of the next two rows.
50(50, 56)60 sts.
REGULAR LENGTH SLEEVE
Work 12(12, 10)10 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 11(11,13)13 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times.
Work 6(6, 0)0 more rows even. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On RS, In Color B, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles K across. On WS, begin P2, K2 Rib Stitch through end of row.
Work 4(4, 6)6 more rows even.
BO all sts.
REGULAR LENGTH SLEEVE WITH HAND MIT
Work 12(12, 10)10 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 11(11, 13)13 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On next RS row, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. Work 5(5, 3)3 rows even.
Repeat 3 more times. 38(38, 44)48 sts.
Work 0(0, 2)2 rows even.
On RS, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles, begin K2, P2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 5(5, 7)7 more rows even.
BO all sts.
PETITE LENGTH SLEEVE
Work 10(10, 4)4 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 9(9, 11)11 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times.
Work 4(4, 0)0 more rows even. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On RS, In Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles K across. On WS, begin P2, K2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 4(4, 6)6 more rows even.
BO all sts.
PETITE LENGTH SLEEVE WITH HAND MIT
Work 8(8, 4)4 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 9(9, 11)11 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On next RS row, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
Work 5(5, 3)3 rows even.
Repeat 3 more times. 38(38, 44)48 sts.
Work 0(0, 2)2 rows even.
On RS, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles, begin K2, P2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 5(5, 7)7 more rows even.
BO all sts.
BUILDING
Sew Front to Back at shoulders and sides, lining up the stripes. Sew each sleeve, then sew Sleeve into Armhole, lining up the stripes. While sewing the sleeves, if the Hand Mit directions have been followed, sew the ribbing sides together, leave an approximate 2 inch opening for the thumb, and continue sewing the sleeve together where the next contrasting stripe begins.
NECKLINE
With RS facing, Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) 16″ circular needles, working around the back, beginning at where the shoulders are joined:
- Pick-Up 11(11, 13)13 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 14(18, 16)22 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 11(11, 13)13 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 25(25, 27)27 from Front Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 6(10, 8)14 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 25(25, 27)27 from Front Side Neckline,
- PM, Join. 92(100, 104)116 sts.
Begin K2, P2, Rib Stitch through end of round, SM.
Work 5 more rows even.
BO all sts.
FINISHING
Using a tapestry needle weave in all ends. Block as desired, wear and Enjoy!
©2011 Julie Grantz. All Rights Reserved.
Please respect copyright law and Do Not Reproduce in any form. Duplication & distribution of this pattern in any form without express permission of the author is a violation of copyright law: You may not make multiple copies of this pattern, reformat it for commercial use or resale, or sell items made from this pattern. Your respect for copyright law allows me to keep bringing you new and interesting designs. Write with feedback or errata at: projecthallway AT gmail.com.
Striped Kangaroo Hoodie Knitting Pattern
June 24th, 2011 § 3 Comments
This pattern may be purchased on Ravelry.com for $2.00 US
This pattern may be purchased on ESTY.com for $2.20 US
As the parent to the Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie, this sweater is also named for named for it’s kangaroo pocket and soft, warm hood. As with the baby and toddler version, this pattern utilizes Berroco Comfort, a worsted weight yarn making this sweater quick to knit and easy to care for as it is machine washable.
The deeper V-Neck on the adult version makes for a comfortable, casual sweater. While The Striped Kangaroo Hoodie pattern utilizes different colors than the Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie, either sweater could be done any color combination you like, even matching.
After receiving a number of questions about the Ears from from the toddler version, I will email you a copy of the ear pattern from the Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie should you feel so inclined to put them on this version. Please send an email to projecthallway AT gmail.com with a copy of your receipt to request the Ear portion of the pattern.
As I am a petite, 5’1″ to be exact, I often find that I have to fuss to get things to fit me properly. I have thus included Petite Sizing in this pattern. These instructions always follow the regular sizing and are located in within the curly brackets {}. The Petite sizing will work best for women 5’4″ and under.
As I am always working to improve my patterns, and create new things, I welcome all feedback. Please feel free to email me questions, errata or feedback at: projecthallway AT gmail.com or leave a comment on my here on my blog.
PATTERN INFORMATION
SIZING
Regular
(XS, S, M, L, XL)
Petite/Short
{PXS, PS, PM, PL, PXL}
FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS
Chest Measurement:
(31, 34.5, 38, 41.5, 45) {31, 34.5, 38, 41.5, 45}
Length, not including hood:
(24.75, 24.75, 24.75, 24.75, 24.75)
{22.25, 22.25, 22.25, 22.25, 22.25}
YARN
- Color A, (3, 3, 4, 5, 5) {3, 3, 4, 4, 4}Hanks Berroco Comfort #9702 “Pearl”
- Color B, (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) {2, 2, 3, 3, 3} Hanks Berroco Comfort #9713 “Dusk”
NEEDLES
- US 7 (4.5mm) 29″ or 36″ Circular Needle for Hood Ribbing.
- US 7 (4.5mm) 9″ or 13″ Straight needles (or Circular based on preference) for Ribbing.
- US 8 (5.0mm) Straight needles or Circular needles based on preference. The Hood is best completed with a circular needle.
GAUGE
18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4×4″
NOTIONS
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends.
- 2 Stitch Markers of different colors
This pattern may be purchased on Ravelry.com for $2.00 US
This pattern may be purchased on ESTY.com for $2.20 US
©2011 Julie Grantz. All Rights Reserved.
Please respect copyright law and Do Not Reproduce in any form. Duplication & distribution of this pattern in any form without express permission of the author is a violation of copyright law: You may not make multiple copies of this pattern, reformat it for commercial use or resale, or sell items made from this pattern. Your respect for copyright law allows me to keep bringing you new and interesting designs. Write with feedback or errata at: projecthallway AT gmail.com.
Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie
June 11th, 2011 § 10 Comments
This pattern may be purchased on Ravelry.com for $4.95 US
This pattern may be purchased on Etsy.com for $5.15 US
Even though this sweater takes me but two days two knit, I have spent well over a month working on this. After two samples in two sizes, I finally feel ready to present my pattern to the world.
A sucker for all things cute, I changed the stripe colors from the gray and white used in the adult version of the sweater, to Kangaroo browns and added the knit Kangaroo ears for a playful, and snuggly little sweater. Knowing that mommies don’t have time to hand wash, this pattern utilizes Berroco Comfort, a machine-washable, super-soft, worsted weight yarn making this sweater quick to knit and easy to care for.
The ears in this pattern are very easy to make, and with a little experimentation of the ear shape and size, as well as with the plethora of colors this yarn is made in, the possibilities for animals this little sweater become are endless: kangaroos, bunnies, kitties, puppies, armadillos, bats, foxes, owls, horses, dragons, tigers, piglets, monkeys, lambs, buffalo (horns and ears), bears, lemurs, zebras the list goes on and on … You could even add a tail.
As I am always working to improve my patterns, and create new things, I welcome all feedback. Please feel free to email me questions, errata or feedback at: projecthallway AT gmail.com or leave a comment on my here on my blog.
PATTERN INFORMATION
SIZING
Baby & Toddler Sizing
6-Month (12-Mo., 18-Mo., 2T) , 3T
Kids Sizing
4/5 6/7 8 9/10 11/12 13/14
YARN
- Color A, Berroco Comfort #9745 “Filbert Brown”
- Color B, Berroco Comfort #9727 “Spanish Brown”
- Color C, Berroco Comfort #9705 “Pretty Pink”
NEEDLES
- US 7 (4.5mm) 24″ Circular Needle for Hood Ribbing.
- US 7 (4.5mm) 24” Straight needles (or Circular based on preference) for Ribbing on Back, Front, Sleeves and Pocket.
- US 8 (5.0mm) Straight needles or Circular needles based on preference. It is easiest to use a circular needled for the hood.
GAUGE
18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4×4″
NOTIONS
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends, sewing Pocket to Front and for sewing Ears to Hood.
- 2 Stitch Markers of different colors
This pattern may be purchased on Ravelry.com for $4.95 US
This pattern may be purchased on Etsy.com for $5.15 US
©2011 Julie Grantz. All Rights Reserved.
Please respect copyright law and Do Not Reproduce in any form. Duplication & distribution of this pattern in any form without express permission of the author is a violation of copyright law: You may not make multiple copies of this pattern, reformat it for commercial use or resale, or sell items made from this pattern. Your respect for copyright law allows me to keep bringing you new and interesting designs. Write with feedback or errata at: projecthallway AT gmail.com.
