Feature Fridays is back, baby! Let's meet Noble Knits!

It is long overdue that I return to my blogging, especially Feature Fridays!  Today I am excited to share with you a blog who I discovered through my hours (and hours) on Pinterest.  (I am still unsure if Pinterest is the best thing to come along....or the worst!  I am on it way too much!)  But I digress.  This fun knitting blog is called Noble Knits.  I love their welcome message to their page, in particular this quote:

"Lots of people think knitting has to be complex and intimidating. Not us. We like to take a fun approach to knitting always remembering that it's a hobby - a great way to relax, unwind and relieve some stress."

It is a great point. I started out in fiber arts as a crocheter through and through, but eventually decided to try knitting.  And my first attempts made me think it was way too complicated.  But after a break and then trying it again, I am definitely glad I did. 

Anyway, I love this site because it has tons of great patterns and ideas for knitting.  For example, check out this cute cowl combo pattern:

Super cute, right?

Or how about this cowl? (I am into cowls a lot lately...)

I love that they have all these great one weekend patterns.  

What...oh, you don't knit?

That is ok.  This blog is still a lot of fun to peruse.  

Maybe you are still into yarn and crafting in other ways?  Then you should check out her great insider info on yarns, like the May Recap - Top 10 Yarns....

She also has a section for felting and for crocheting and more!

And if you do knit, they have an awesome resource for you.  The Knitting Doctor!  How cool is that?

So go poke around and maybe have some fun taking on a new, quick and satisfying new project.  Or just have fun looking at pretty projects in gorgeous yarns and ask your knitting friends to make you something.  

Thanks for sharing, Noble Knits, and happy Friday!

Ash

My first knitting pattern... drumroll.... leg warmers!

So excited...whilst making these legwarmers I realized that I actually knew what I was doing...and that I had created my own pattern!  I feel like this means I have graduated to a real knitter!

These were fun and easy to make.  Here is how you can make these leg-warmers that can be worn any time of the year!

Ash's Comfy, Quick Leg Warmers

Tools/Materials:

US 9 (aka 5.5mm) double pointed needles (set of 5)

2 skeins of worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna's Choice purple)

Sizes: 

Pattern is made for a medium sized leg - calf size 14-15in

In parentheses you will find adjustments for small and large that will look like....

ex: (sm-56, lg-64)

Abbreviations:

DPN's- Double Pointed Needles

Kn- Knit

P- Purl

St- Stitches

Kn2tog- Knit two together

Le Pattern:

Cast on 60 (sm-56, lg-64) using 2 strand cast-on method (here is a vid for this method - I like this method because it allows for more give to fit over the foot)  and distribute evenly onto 4 of the  DPN's.

You are starting at the calf section of the leg-warmer.  The first pattern will be knit 2, purl 2 pattern for ribbed top.

1st Row: Beginning with Kn, and being careful not to twist the piece, join the ends and place marker.  This will start the Kn2, P2 ribbing pattern.  Continue ribbing until piece measures 3 inches. 

Variation - Something I might do in my next pair is either add a contrasting color strip or do the ribbing in a contrasting color.

Next row: Knit only.  Continue for next 6 rows.

Next row (decrease row):  After the above 6 rows of knit, you will have your first decrease row.  At the beginning of each of the needles on this row, kn2tog, giving you 56 (sm-52, lg-60) stitches left on needles.

Next 6 rows: Knit only

Next row: Decrease row as above, now 52 (sm-48, lg-56) stitches on needles.

Next 6 rows: Knit only

Next row: Decrease row as above, final time, to 48 (sm-44, lg-52) stitches on needles.

Next row: Continue in knit only patter for desired length, keeping in mind that we will add 3 inches of ribbing at the bottom.  (I made the knit only about 7 inches long)

Once you have reached the desired length of knit only, begin final ribbing by switching back to kn2, p2 until final ribbing reaches 3 inches.  Then loosely bind off (this is important...I have have many a time had things not fit because I bound off too tight.)

Finally, take a crochet hook and slip the string from the bind off through the first stitch of that last row to complete the row and tie off and weave in ends.

And viola!  

Wonderful leg warmers to show off over your fav jeans or with your going-out-on-the-town skirt!

Enjoy!  Let me know if you have any questions!

Ash