Russet Lodge Custom Knits

Photo by indigoace on ravelry . EDIT 7/28/16 - clarifying instructions and adding a photo that actually works. I love the Gulls and Garter stitch pattern. It's lovely and interesting, it looks good in both variegated and solid yarn, and it's fun to knit without being too difficult. Cast on 45 stitches (or a multiple of 8 stitches plus five). Rows 1-4: work in garter stitch (knit every row). Row 5 (wrong side): k4 *p5, k3* to last 4 stitches, k4 Row 6 (right side): k4 *With yarn in front, slip 5 stitches purlwise, k3* to last 9 stitches, with yarn in front, slip 5 stitches purlwise, k4. Row 7: repeat row 5. Row 8: K4, *k2, insert RH needle under strand 2 rows below, k next st on LH needle, catching the yarn float behind your stitch, k7; rep from * (end last rep k2)  k4 Continue working Rows 5-8 until cloth is desired length. Work rows 1-4 again. Bind off, weave in ends, enjoy! Below is a chart of the Gulls and Garter stitch.  Red lines indicate the repe...

I have had an upsurge in purchases of my basic knitted kilt hose pattern lately. The pattern has some notes on customizing the hose by using different stitch patterns in the leg, and I thought I'd share a few favorites. Please be aware that the calf shaping will mean you'll need to be careful about pattern repeats and read your knitting to make sure everything lines up correctly. That said, here are a few nice (and relatively easy) stitch patterns you can use to spruce up a pair of hose (all of these are in the round): Herringbone Stitch Multiple of 4 stitches. Round 1: k all Round 2: *k2, sl 1 purlwise, k1, yo, pass slipped stitch over these two stitches* Mistake Rib Multiple of 3 stitches. Round 1: *k2, p1* Round 2: *k1, p2* Double Rib Multiple of 6 stitches. Round 1: *k3, p3* Round 2: *k1, p1* These are all nice stretchy stitches that look lovely on hose, and I'll try to get photos up soon. I will be posting a new washcloth pattern this week, and the stitch pattern fr...

Though I reserve this blog mostly for publicizing my patterns and sharing information on some of my products which are available, I thought I would make a quick post to let people know I currently have no waiting list for custom-made knitwear, including kilt hose and bonnets. I am always working on personal projects, and I can't guarantee a time frame, but it's likely to be closer to 6-8 weeks than the year plus wait I've had in the past. I also offer other services including hand-dyed fibers and yarns, handspun yarns, pattern design, tech editing, pattern translation French/English, charting, writing out charted patterns, test knitting, and article writing/editing. Drop me a line at russetlodgeknits at gmail dot com if you're interested. You can also visit my design page on ravelry or my facebook fan page (links on the left) and check out my latest items for sale at http://shekure.etsy.com. My personal blog ramblings are availble at http://unaspenser.livejournal....

I've just put my Sweetheart Kilt Hose pattern up on Ravelry. I designed this pattern for my husband for Valentine's Day 2008 (finished them over a year later), and now, here it is!

I realized there isn't anywhere specific on this blog where you can find the patterns I have available for sale. Both these patterns are $5 and come as a PDF. Here is my Bonnet/Tam Pattern: And my Basic Knitted Kilt Hose:

Here is an easy little pattern I cranked out when my husband needed a new hat. Feel free to give it a whirl. :) Ribbed Cap Size - One size fits all Measurements : Head size 21" (lightly stretched, fits my head at 23.5") Depth 8" (If you have a large head, you may need to increase this. Just try the hat on as you go.) Materials 1 50 g ball worsted weight yarn (I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Forest Heather) 1 size US 6/4.0 mm circular needle, 1 set size US 6/4.0 double-pointed needles (if desired, hat can also be worked in magic loop), yarn needle Gauge 20 sts = 5" over k4 p4 rib, lightly stretched *take time to check your gauge and adjust accordingly* Note: Switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles when knitting in the round becomes uncomfortable, this will probably be around round 3 or 4, but your mileage may vary. Pattern CO 104 sts, join in round, mark beginning of round. Work in *k4 p4* rib until piece measures 7" ...