Brioche Rib Scarf Pattern Now Available!

I have been playing around with the Brioche Stitch for several years now.  In fact, you can check out these  blog posts from 2011, when I began my explorations:

http://www.thefiberbug.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-new-technique-brioche-stitch.html
http://www.thefiberbug.blogspot.com/2011/03/more-explorations-in-brioche-knitting.html

The scarves I made using this technique were similar, with some variations.  At a recent meeting of the Tigard Knitting Guild , I taught a mini class on the Brioche Rib technique, with the instructions for the basic scarf for my handout.  I thought I would post the material as a free pattern in my Ravelry shop and my Craftsy shop, for anyone who might be interested.  The pattern creates a cushy, warm scarf from chunky yarn, in one or two colors.  The scarf begins and ends with brioche rib in a single color, and if you like, you can join a second color after you have knitted the initial border.  The two-color rib is somewhat like a corrugated rib,  but thicker and more "ribby".  One color is predominant on one side, and the other color is predominant on the other side of the knitting.

This 4-page pattern download is a photo tutorial which will give you the basics of the Brioche Rib stitch in one or two colors.  If you would like to make a narrower or wider scarf, cast on an odd number of stitches to whatever width you like.  I hope you enjoy the pattern! 

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DIY Christmas Gift Ideas #2

Perhaps you prefer color patterning to textured knitting.  Today's post focuses on two fair-isle patterned Christmas stocking patterns, both knitted with worsted-weight yarn.

Christmas Trees Stocking

This stocking has a Christmas Tree pattern on the top, and poinsettias along the leg.  The heel is worked in a stripe pattern, using short rows to turn the heel. The 10-page pattern includes fair isle charts, and lots of instructions and photos of the techniques used in the pattern.

 The Christmas Trees Stocking is knitted from Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, one skein each of two colors, using size 6 and 8 needles.


Another fair-isle Christmas stocking pattern is the Poinsettia Stocking.  This one is somewhat similar to the Christmas Trees Stocking, but with a slightly different look.

Poinsettia Stocking

 

The Poinsettia Stocking has a Poinsettia pattern on the top, with a striped pattern on the leg and foot.  This 10-page pattern has a chart for the fair isle pattern, and written instructions for the rest of the sock.  Many photos of the techniques used are included, as well as tips and technique instruction.  The sock is knitted from Loops & Threads Impeccable (one skein each of two colors), or use your favorite worsted-weight yarn; needle sizes 6
and 8.




Here are a couple of close-ups of the completed stocking.  The sock has an attached I-cord hanging loop.




Either of these two stockings would make a lovely, long-lasting gift for a friend or loved one. 

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