Knitting Classes
by SweaterBabe

SweaterBabe offers Knitting & Crochet Classes in Orange County, California! Let the SweaterBabe herself teach you how to knit or crochet. In one session, you can learn all the basics to make a simple scarf.

For those who already know the basics, book a private knitting or crocheting class to take your skills to the next level. Whether it's how to read a pattern, how to work cables or lace, how to finish a sweater, etc., SweaterBabe can work with you one-on-one and teach you all that she can during your private session.  . . >

Timeless. Ethereal. Singular. These are only some of the words that come to mind with this lovely shawl design.

Knit from the top down, this triangular shawl is a must-knit. As shown, it begins with a simple Garter stitch section, which showcases the beauty of your yarn. Increases along the center line and at each edge create pretty eyelet accents and a block of nice and easy knitting.

Then, the pattern transitions into a stunning, yet easy-to-learn lace. You will become familiar with the 8-row repeat quickly whether you follow the charted or written version. The right and left sides of the lace mirror each other for beautiful symmetry.

A loose bind off and aggressive blocking bring out the true beauty of this shawl. And if knit (to gauge) as shown, only one hank of yarn was used!

The shawl is easily made bigger by adding more 8-row repeats of the lace. And the same pattern could easily be knit up in a worsted-weight yarn for a chunkier version. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

I love this very special lace pattern for its complex-looking results. But, no worries, it's just worked with simple decreases and yarnovers.

The end result is an incredibly lovely floral lace design that appears to morph into itself depending on how you look at it!

It's a truly beautiful fabric that lends itself nicely to a blanket of any size.

Shown here is the baby blanket version in my favorite cotton blend yarn, which comes in some uniquely pretty colors. Pattern also includes 2 larger Crib and Throw sizes.

Any solid yarn with great stitch definition will do this pattern justice! . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

This scarf is a fairly quick knit, with lovely textured results. It combines lace with some simple shaping techniques to give it beautiful body and structure. This pattern includes a one-ball option, perfect for gift knitting, and a two-ball option, if you prefer your scarves with a little more length.

The one-ball scarf has two "ruched" sections at each end, while the two-ball version has three. Both can be easily extended slightly in length by doing more repeats of the Diamond Lace in the middle section (notes on this included in pattern), although you will need extra yarn.

A 70% kid mohair/30% silk blend yarn gives you the required strong halo that complements the lace and a finished scarf that is sumptuous to the touch. Choose a vibrant or soft color that will make you (or the gift recipient) happy. This is a fun, feminine, and sophisticated design that will be a delight to wear! A slightly variegated mohair and silk blend yarn would work as well, though I would recommend more subtle color variations to allow the two different lace stitches to come through. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

My girls always need a layer for the morning chill as we head to school. And what better way to arrive to school in style than with this lovely cabled vest!

A beautiful center panel features a medallion-shaped double cable that frames a single lace leaf motif. This pattern-stitch combination is all you need to embellish this vest, along with the required details, like neat ribbed edges, handy pockets, and a nicely squared neckline.

The vest is worked in two pieces with knit-in pockets. Ribbing at the neckline and pocket tops are knit-in. Ribbing at the armholes is picked up and knit at finishing. Side, pocket, and shoulder seams only.

A heathered wool gives a slight rustic feel and great wearability to this vest. She'll slip it on over any long-sleeved top and be good to go! Girl's sizes 6 through 12. Women's version sold separately – perfect for Mom! . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

A pretty all over cable and a super soft yarn in a marled classic grey combine effortlessly for my kind of go-to accessory!

This crescent shaped shawl is all that, with a lovely drape as well.

The shawl is knit from the top-down with a wide Garter tab. Then, the cable design is knit with increases at each end that produce a nice lace edge and the gentle crescent shape.

The shawl finishes with a simple Garter stitch border.

This shawl is big enough to wrap around your shoulders or wear multiple ways bundled around your neck. The cable is charted and written. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

When a heavy scarf just won't do, grab this gossamer-weight lace scarf instead! The silk/kid mohair blend lace-weight yarn knit on size 9 needles creates a supremely soft scarf.

An open lace panel with gentle peaks along one long edge is contrasted with a bit of garter stitch for lots of textural interest.

This scarf is very light, yet has enough body to allow itself to be draped in many pretty ways.

Wrap it around your neck like a cowl and tuck in the ends, drape it around your neck with the ends drawn through the folded middle loop, or tie it askew with a loose knot – it will always add a nice touch of femininity to your outfit.

PLUS, it's knit from just one ball of yarn. . . making it an ideal gift knit or quick knit for yourself! . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

A big, bold, all-over cable pattern is truly eye-catching in this fabulously soft and warm stole.

Intricately intertwined cables are worked over the full length and width of this stole, with a simple Garter stitch border. Works up surprisingly quickly due to the Aran-weight yarn (in this case, 2 strands of thinner yarn held together throughout – one 100% alpaca and the other an alpaca and silk blend) and bulky needle size.

The cable is charted and written out, so you can follow your preference. Simple cable techniques are used and explained in the instructions. Length can easily be extended by working additional repeats of the cable pattern.

This is a cable-lover's dream to knit and to wear as a stole or super warm and luxurious scarf. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

I love the idea of big stoles that you use to blanket your neck and shoulders in luxury and warmth! This stole is precisely that kind of accessory, and it's a nice soothing knit as well.

Choose two sophisticated colors, as I did, for a nod towards the huge striping trend. Combine this with a lovely chevron pattern that has texture and lacy elements to make it even more intriguing.

You can knit your stripes as you wish (if you introduce more colors or have different amounts of yarn from your stash that you are using). I chose to have the striped ends mirror each other with stripes of decreasing width as they approach the middle color block.

And it's all knit up in one of my favorite alpaca and wool-blend yarns that has a lovely feel as you knit it and of course, when you wear it. Lace pattern is charted and written so you can you follow your preference. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

FREE Pattern Pick: 
His and Hers Toe Up Mukluks
by Alpaca Direct

This pattern is knit toe up using Judy's Magic Cast On and two-color Fair Isle. I love the toe-up method because I can use all my yarn after I have completed the foot. There are two sizes to choose from, Small/Medium (5-6.5 shoe size) or Large (7-10 shoe size). The boot is constructed using an afterthought heel and ribbing on the cuff. This is a great winter project guaranteed to keep your feet warm...especially when knit up with Berroco Ultra Alpaca available at Alpaca Direct! . . . >

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