Reverse Rib Kerchief Pattern

Hello out there, folks - sorry I've been absent for a long time but I now have something new for you, and I hope you'll enjoy it! I have been working on triangular patterns (for a change) and playing with textures, and I ended up with the Reverse Rib Kerchief - already a favorite! Reverse rib is just like regular rib stitching except that everything is knit or purled through the back loop, which makes the knit stitches really pop up. It's an incredibly versatile little shawl, basically intended to be worn like a bandanna, tied around your neck at the back, but there are many creative ways to wear it and wear it well. The Tosh Sock yarn used in this pattern is so beautiful and warm - comes in many amazing bright colors. Highly recommended! I used the Cobalt and Warm Maize colorways for these.


This pattern should be a straightforward knit for those who have knit triangular shawls in the past, or who feel ready to give it a shot. You need to know how to do a provisional cast-on (directions for that are readily available online in many places), knit and purl through the back loop, and make yarn-overs. It requires about 400 yds of sock-weight yarn and US #3 needles, 24" circular. There is no chart for this one - just written instructions. Hopefully they will be easy to follow, but as always, please feel free to leave a comment below if you run into any problems.


I will also be posting this under my name on Ravelry so you all can go discuss there! I look forward to seeing what you come up with.


It is available for purchase via paypal only for $5.50 here (you will receive a .pdf document containing the pattern emailed to you):

Mesh - basic stitch pattern

A few of you have asked me about what stitch pattern I used to make the shawl in the previous post. It's very straightforward: using US2 needles and a laceweight yarn, cast on 99 stitches. The stitch pattern is as follows: K1, *ssk, yo*, repeat between * *, end k2. It is the same stitch pattern on the right and wrong sides of the shawl. Get a few rows in and you'll see that you can do this while hardly watching your hands - making it great for your stitch & bitch, an airplane, watching tv...etc. Enjoy!

Meshed

Here's the finished project of the red preview in the previous post. The stretching properties of mesh are not to be underestimated!


This is a mystery yarn, found in Albuquerque in a stash of weaving materials - a beautiful deep red silk. This one's gonna get a LOT of use.

Spring Textures

Haven't had much time of late as I try to finish grad school (yes, that's right, seven more weeks to my masters!!), but lately I've been really attracted to color and texture, and have been swatching up projects like the ones above and below. Top photo is merino in fabric stitch; bottom photo is silk in a loose mesh rib. Happy spring!

february bay rain + blue sarcelle

I often tell people that knitting is my zen activity - it always chills me out and allows me mull things over while keeping my hands busy. Of course, you all know about that effect.


Kristi Geraci's Sarcelle, which I've now made twice, is a fantastic pattern for zen knitting. It has a lovely bias-running silhouette that I plan to work with in my next pattern...if I ever get out of thesis madness, that is.


As for the yarn, I got it here, at yarnchef's etsy store - it is the "spun sugar" silk laceweight in a custom color. Without question, the most amazing blue I have ever seen.


So, two recommendations for you: the pattern, and the yarn. Go to town!