Tidy Finishing on a Circular Bind-Off

The bind-off row in circular knitting can leave your with an enormous “jog” between the first and last BO stitch, especially in larger gauge knitting. Here is how to smooth that out.

Please excuse the green screen background – we’re under a bit of construction in the studio. Exciting changes to come!

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

The purple scarf I’m wearing is this pattern.

The yarn I used in the bulky sample is Berroco Peruvia Quick.

The needles I used are by Clover.

The nail color I’m wearing is by OPI, “Berries in the Canaries”.

Rodeo Drive Poncho Update

At the request of petite knitters and knitters living in very chilly climates, I’ve updated the Rodeo Drive Poncho pattern to include instructions for a poncho with a shallower neckline. The pattern is identical, otherwise. Here are photos of the two necklines:

deeperSM
This is the original, deeper neckline…

shallowerSM
…and this is the new option of a shallower neckline.

If you’ve already purchased the PDF pattern, you should receive an email and/or Ravelry message with a download link to the updated pattern (no charge). If you would like to purchase the PDF version of this pattern, here you go:

This pattern is available in three different formats, each includes links to 4-part video tutorial:

1. PDF Pattern, traditional and printable. $6.00 via PayPal
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2. Amazon Kindle digital download (suitable for Kindle devices and devices that use the Kindle app): $6.00 US.
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3. eReader (For non-Kindle eReaders, like Sony eReader and Barnes & Noble Nook, or any device using the Google Play Books app) $6.72 US

rodeo without scarf sm

If you have purchased an eReader version of the pattern, we’re still trying to find the best way to update these files. If you have an eReader version and you’d like the update, please drop me a note at staci@verypink.com, and I’ll send you the updated text.

Winner Announced! Knitter’s Pride Symfonie Wood Interchangeable Starter Set

If you didn’t win this time, this needle set can be purchased here on Amazon.

In the US and Canada, you can find a Knitter’s Pride retailer here.
Outside the US and Canada, you can find a Knitter’s Pride (Knit Pro) retailer here.

The random number generator I used to pick the winner can be found here.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel – new knitting video every week, and more giveaways coming soon!

Mimi Hooded Scarf

mimi 1 for vp

Sizes: One size
Needles: Size US 8 (5mm) needles, circulars or straights
Yarn: 3 hanks of Berroco Ultra Alpaca in color Periwinkle Mix (or 600 yards of another worsted/10ply yarn), 1 hank Rozetti Wicked Fur in color Tundra Wolf
Additional Materials: Size G or H crochet hook, tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
Gauge: 5 stitches per inch and 6.5 rows per inch, after blocking. If you’re having trouble getting both stitch and row gauge, FOCUS ON GETTING CORRECT STITCH GAUGE.

PDF pattern download + links to four-part video tutorial, $4 US via PayPal. addtocart

Mimi2 for VP

The Mimi Hooded Scarf pattern is based on a design I created several years ago. The pattern has been reworked, rewritten, and the video tutorial (below) was created to walk you through the trickier parts.

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The yarns I used in my finished scarf are Berroco Ultra Alpaca in color Periwinkle Mix, and Rozetti Wicked Fur in color Tundra Wolf

The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

The purple scarf I’m wearing is this pattern.

The yarn I used in the bulky samples is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky, in colors Yonder, Jam, and Silver.

The little bamboo pins I use can be found here.

The circular needles I used are Addi Turbos.

The nail color I’m wearing is by OPI, “Berries in the Canaries”.

Giveaway! Knitter’s Pride Symfonie Wood Interchangeable Starter Set

You’re welcome to comment here, but to enter the contest, you must comment on YouTube HERE.

Please watch the entire video for instructions on how to enter the giveaway. This contest is open to US and international viewers (customs charges may apply outside the US). The contest is open until 12:01 am (US Central Time), April 30, 2014; and the winner will be announced in video on May 1, 2014. The winning comment will be chosen by random number generator.

Since not everyone can win, you can get your own set of these needles here on Amazon.

In the US and Canada, you can find a Knitter’s Pride retailer here.

Outside the US and Canada, you can find a Knitter’s Pride (Knit Pro) retailer here.

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

The purple scarf I’m wearing is this pattern.

The nail color I’m wearing is by OPI, “Berries in the Canaries”.

iCord Side Edging (i-cord)

Instructions for working this edging:
Right Side: Knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, Knit 1, work across row to last three stitches, Knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, Knit 1
Wrong Side: Slip 1 with yarn in front, Knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, work across row to last three stitches, slip 1 with yarn in front, Knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front

Please excuse the green screen background – we’re under a bit of construction in the studio. Exciting changes to come!

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

The purple scarf I’m wearing is this pattern.

The yarn I used in the bulky samples is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky, in color Silver.

The bamboo needles I used are by Clover.

The nail color I’m wearing is by OPI, “Berries in the Canaries”.

Latvian Long-Tail Cast-On

The Latvian LTCO is pretty, fairly deep, and has decent stretch to it. But I think most knitters will get excited about this fact – after close inspection, I’m pretty sure it’s IDENTICAL ON BOTH SIDES.

Please excuse the green screen background – we’re under a bit of construction in the studio. Exciting changes to come!

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

The purple scarf I’m wearing is this pattern.

The yarn I used in the bulky samples is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky, in colors Jam and Silver.

The bamboo needles I used are by Clover.

The nail color I’m wearing is by OPI, “Berries in the Canaries”.

Interview with Lindi from Inspiration for Creation

On Friday, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Lindiwe Maqhubela from Inspiration for Creation. In a very unique interview for me, Lindi asks me about being an entrepreneur, the creative process, marketing, balancing work and life, and managing my public persona.

Lindi has a great blog with lots of interviews of interesting and creative folks. I’m honored to be a part of her work!

Barber Pole Cowl Tutorial

cowl for vp

No matter how you twist this cowl around your head and neck, you always look perfectly dressed. With no wrong sides, luxurious cashmere blend yarn, and a fair isle stripe pattern to keep the knitting interesting. Free pattern + three-part video tutorial.

Finished Size: (after blocking) 26” long when seamed
Needles: Size US 6 (4mm) 16” circular needles, longer circulars if you’re using the magic loop method, or a set of 4 double-pointed needles
Yarn: The YarnSisters Willow, 70% merino, 30% cashmere, DK/light worsted weight; one hank each of Natural (Color A) and Pinot Noir (Color B)
Additional Materials: one stitch marker, tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
Gauge: 7 stitches to the inch, after blocking

THIS PATTERN + VIDEO TUTORIAL IS A FREE RAVELRY DOWNLOAD.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR COPY OF THE PATTERN.

me for VP

Munky for VP


Information on things you’ll see in the video:

The yarn I used in the cowl is YarnSisters Willow.

The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

The purple scarf I’m wearing is this pattern.

The yarn I used in the bulky samples is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky, in colors Yonder, Jam, and Silver.

The circular needles I used are Addi Turbos.

The nail color I’m wearing is by OPI, “Berries in the Canaries”.

Lifted Increases

Instructions for working both right and left lifted increases.

Please excuse the green screen background – we’re under a bit of construction in the studio. Exciting changes to come!

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial.

The purple scarf I’m wearing is this pattern.

The yarn I used in the sample is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in color Yonder.

The yarn I used for demonstration is Lion Brand Hometown USA in color Charlotte Blue.

The bamboo needles I use are by Clover.

The nail color I’m wearing is by OPI, “Berries in the Canaries”.