Tag Archives | knit

Bernat Stitch-Along / Final Clue and Reveal

The Bernat Stitch-Along is now complete.   Today I share the final clue.  I can’t believe how quickly has passed.  Here we are four weeks later and the final clue is now being revealed.   I love the fact that there was no seaming of pieces in this beautiful blanket.  Each week’s clue has built on the previous clue until today the final blanket is revealed.

Bernat Stitch-Along Knit Blanket

Bernat Mystery Stitch Along – Knit blanket

 

Each week in this Stitch-Along I have shared a different clue.  The result has been that you were able to learn  how to knit new stitch design and for others who were already familiar with these patterns you were able to practice these stitch techniques.  The Stitch-Along has also allowed me to be able to share some tips, tricks, and techniques I use to simply the knit patterns.   I have made every effort to be able to demonstrate the techniques in a way that even beginners can have success.  Remember, just like any other skill knitting takes practice.  Don’t give up or get discouraged if it was a little challenging for you.  These designs and techniques are new to many people. With practice and patience,  you will be able to master any knit design.

Be sure to take plenty of breaks so that you don’t fatigue your hands.  Also, taking breaks will ensure that you are fresh and ready to knit.  I know knitting can be addicting and I struggle to remind myself to get up after 20 minutes or so and stretch my hands and maybe walk around the room.

Stitch-Along / This  Week’s Clue:

This week the clue shared was a border.  Not just a plain border but a beautiful cable border.  The techniques that were used allowed us to attach the border without sewing.  You can get this week’s written pattern and charts from Joann’s website.  Be sure to select the clue for either the crochet or knit design depending on which you are completing.   Here is the link:  Weekly Clues

For the blanket border,  we will be using a cable needle or hook.  I prefer to use a hook, especially for beginners.   In this week’s video tutorial I show you some tips on how to evenly pick up stitches over a long area.  I share how I divide the area up and then pick up the stitches.  I also share how I ensure I am picking up the correct stitches.   Since the pattern is made without seaming we will be picking up stitches as we go along.  The process is divided into 2 steps.   (picking up the stitches and then adding the border).

I created a mini-swatch of the previous week’s patterns so that I could better demonstrate how to add our border.  Using the full size blanket would not have allowed me to show the entire piece within the view area of my camera.  I thought that using the mini-blanket would be a good way to demonstrate where to begin, how to divide my spaces for picking up stitches and to add the remaining border areas and in which order.

Any of the knit designs shared during the first three weeks can be used for creating other size blankets as well.   Just be sure to keep in mind the pattern repeat and then cast on enough stitches to get the desired width of your blanket be sure that number can be evenly divided by the number of your stitch pattern repeat.

Thank You

I want to thank Joann’s Craft and Fabric store  for allowing the great honor of serving as your knit host.  If you haven’t participated in this Stitch-Along there is still plenty of time.  The videos and patterns will be available at the Stitch Along site:  Stitch Along Info Site   Joann’s has also created a special Facebook event page.  This page is being shared by both knitters and crocheters.  This is a fun community where you can ask questions, share your process, encourage others and receive inspiration.   Facebook Stitch Along Page

If you are a visual learner or would like to see a this week’s clue demonstrated please pick on the video below.

 

If you enjoyed this Bernat Mystery Blanket Stitch-Along please be sure to post a comment here and on the Facebook event page.  This will let our sponsor Joann’s Craft and Fabric store know that you appreciated this Stitch Along.   It has been so much fun to be a part of this Stitch-Along.  I love to knit and to be able to share the joy of knitting with others.  Thank you and enjoy your beautiful blanket.  : )

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Bernat Stitch Along, Revealing Clue 3

The Bernat Stitch Along is now in its third week and it’s time to reveal clue 3.  This week’s clue reveal is a beautiful honeycomb pattern.   You may have seen this pattern used in various knitting projects.  Although it isn’t often shared on social media this pattern is really pretty.   The pattern is a 4 stitch repeat.   I have gone back to the color yarn I used in week 1.  The Bernat Stitch Along is really coming along now.

Knit Honeycomb pattern

Clue 3 of the Bernat Blanket Stitch Along

 

Why use a cable needle?  Our instructions call for using a cable needle or hook.   This stitch can be made without using a cable needle however,  the cable needle/hook is an easier and more secure way to ensure you don’t drop any stitches.  (Dropped stitches can be a hassle to pick up).   Some may think that using a cable needle is a slower process but in the end, it can save your from countless dropped stitches and headaches.   If you are an advanced knitter you can create the stitch without using a cable needle or hook.  For beginning or intermediate knitter I recommend using the cable needle.   Once you have mastered the stitch if you want to try creating the pattern without a cable needle that is also an option.   You will just have to be careful that you do not drop any stitches as you work.

This pattern is created by alternating the direction in which the stitches lean.  From left to right and right to left.  By working these stitches in different directions you create the honeycomb pattern.   You can choose to work from either the written pattern of the charts.   Some people prefer to work from written patterns and others from charts.  Either way, we have you covered.   To download all needed info including shopping supplies, patterns, video links or other pertinent information please visit:  Bernat Stitch Along Info   There are some colors that are exclusive to Joann’s Fabric and Craft stores.  You can purchase your supplies at your local Joann’s store or go online to Joann.com

I really like this pattern and it has inspired me to create a knit pot holder.. maybe with a couple of little bumble bees attached to the top.  I am thinking of using some cotton yarn in a honey color.  I think that would make a fun housewarming present.   I hope that you will find the Bernat Stitch Along a great way of adding new techniques to your knitting skills.

It’s not too late to join the Bernat Stitch Along.  The videos and instructions are still available for everyone to download and watch.  Joann’s has also created a special Facebook event page.  That page is being shared by both knitters and crocheters.  On that page you can share photos of your progress, ask questions and be inspired by others.  Visit the page today and be sure to like it.  Here is the link:  Bernat Stitch Along Facebook Page

I have uploaded a  YouTube Video tutorial for visual learners or if you just want a refresher on knitting the honeycomb pattern.   I go stitch by stitch and explain how to create this pattern.   Just click on the video box below to watch the full tutorial.   Be sure to share the video and this post with  your friends and family.

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Announcing the Bernat Blanket Stitch Along

Bernat Stitch Along

The Bernat Blanket stitch along is starting soon.  (Begins Oct 3, 2016)  If you enjoy a good mystery this Stitch along is for you.   This Mystery Stitch-Along is sponsored by Joann Fabric and Craft stores.  This stitch along is a great way to be introduced to the Bernat Blanket yarn if you haven’t tried it yet.  I have become a fan of this yarn.  I love the softness and how fluffy it feels.  My projects just seem to work up so quickly.   This is a mystery stitch along so you won’t know what the blankets will look like until they are complete.  Trust me they are both gorgeous.

Bernat Blanket Stitch Along hosts Yolanda and Mikey

Bernat Blanket Stitch Along

The Stitch Along will include both a Knit and Crochet version of this mystery blanket.  Both versions are completely different so you can choose to Knit, Crochet or stitch both blankets.  I will be serving as your host for the Knit blanket and Mikey of The Crochet Crowd will be your crochet host.  I’m super excited to finally be collaborating on a project with Mikey.  He is a dynamo and makes crocheting so much fun.  He has built a truly awesome community of fellow crocheters.  The full details of the Stitch can be found here:  Stitch Along Details   This page will give you the details of the timeline, shopping list and much more.   You can even view the video intros from both Mikey and myself.

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List of Crochet and Knitting Resources

List of Crochet and Knitting Resources

Finding crochet and knitting resources doesn’t have to be difficult.  There are many great places you can turn to for help.   When you have a question or are in doubt about a stitch, technique or other tips help can be as easy as a mouse click away.   There are of course many paid resources and free resources.  Which you choose will depend on the scope of help you need and of course your budget.

Crochet hooks and knitting needles

Crochet Hook and Knitting Needles

Here is a list of some Crochet and Knitting Resources:

Craft Yarn Council  –  This is one of my go to sites when I am searching for information.  They are a great resources for information on anything to do with yarn.  Weights, standards, stitch abbreviations.  Their site is well laid out and easy to navigate.

Crochet Guild of America –   The Crochet Guild of America.  This Guild was established in 1974.  This guild charges a low yearly membership and the membership also includes a subscriber to Crochet Magazine.  The Guild has 2 major conferences each year.  This is a great place to take some in-person classes from qualified instructors.  They also sponsor a yearly design competition.  If there isn’t a local chapter  near you that would be a great opportunity for you to start your own local chapter.

The Knitting Guild Association –   Just like the Guild for Crocheters there is a Guild for Knitters.   The membership to this Guild also includes a membership for their Cast On magazine.  Belonging to a Guild is a great way to build friendships and grow your skills.

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Learn to Knook – First 2 Lessons

Learn to Knook Kit

Knook Kit from Leisure Arts

Learn to Knook.  

Do you want to learn to knook but thought it was too hard.  It’s easier than you think and it creates beautiful “knit” look items.  I have seen the knook kits around and several people have commented they wanted to learn how to use them.  Since I knit I didn’t find much need for learning.  However, after receiving so many requests for tutorials I decided to try it out.  My friends at  LeisureArts.com were kind enough to send me several sets to try out.   I have played around with them a while back but then life got busy and I didn’t have time to really try them out.

This week I uploaded 2 new videos on learning to knook.   They are short videos that hopefully explain how this little hook creates the same stitches as traditional knitting.   The first video will teach you how to create the “knit” stitch.   Click below to watch it.

Purchase your own Knook here:   Knook Kit  (Affiliate Link)

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial the link is on the next page.

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