Knitting Patterns

I will post patterns below that are simple, quick, and relatively cheap to knit.  None have been copyrighted by me so feel free to use them as you will.  By the same token, I have not intentionally copied my designs from any other published designs.  My ideas usually evolve from a necessity.  (Like my face, neck, and ears get cold when I go on my morning walks so I knit up a simple cowl and a scarf so I can bundle myself up and embrace the cold.)  I've created these patterns with yarns that are affordable and easy to find in most areas of the country.  Many of the yarns come from Walmart, Michael's, or Joann Fabrics.  Although I love to spin my own yarn and I enjoy working with some of the nice (i.e. pricey) designer yarns, I believe that beginners need not spend a ton of money on equipment and materials in order to make usable projects.  There's always time to try out the fancy yarns after a novice knitter has decided if knitting if their "thing".  I love to knit and believe that knitting, as a hobby, should not be cost-prohibitive.  Happy knitting!

Knitting abbreviations (I will start off by giving the spelling as well as the abbreviation until you get used to the abbreviations):

stitches = sts
knit = k
purl = p
slip stitch = sl st
yarn over = yo
pattern = pat

Seed Stitch Shawl

This shawl can be knitted in a weekend and one size fits all.  It’s generous size makes it great for those chilly fall evenings when it’s not cold enough to wear a coat, but you need a little something to keep your arms warm.  It looks equally well with your favorite jeans or a casual dress.  The shawl is long enough to be worn with one end thrown over your shoulder or fastened in front with a shawl pin.  Made of Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn (100% acrylic), it is soft, fluffy, and laundry-friendly (machine wash and dry).  The yarn can be purchased at Walmart for about $3.00/skein

Materials:

Size 18 ½ knitting needles

5 Skeins of Lion Brand Hometown USA Super Bulky Yarn in your choice of color (solid colors come in 5 oz/81 yard skeins, 100% acrylic). 

Instructions:

Cast On (CO) 28 sts (stitches). 

Row 1 and all subsequent rows:  Knit 1, purl 1 to end of row.

Continue knitting, using the Row 1 pattern as shown above, until piece measures 48 - 50” long.

Bind off all sts.  Using a large-eyed darning needle, weave in all loose ends.