FO Roundup - Summer 2017

August 22, 2017 Ms. Cleaver

One of the most fun parts of being a designer is seeing how others interpret your designs. Here are a few of my favorite finished objects (FOs) of late, including some of my lesser-made patterns (click on any photo to visit the knitter's Ravelry and/or Instagram page):

Domenic Duck - Design By Leah B. Thibault, knit by Traceyknits5

Ezekiel Saw - design by Leah B. Thibault, knit by knitterripper

Want to share your knits with me? Tag me @mscleaver on Instagram, or if it's on Ravelry, I'll see it. :)

Kaeryn - PDF Pattern

$6.00

A comfortable, cozy, A-line pullover with a moss stitch panel and kangaroo pocket in the front. The sweater is worked from the top down and finished at the bottom edge with a turned hem. The sleeves end in a turned cuff--for a little extra flair.

30½ (32¾, 34¾, 36¾, 39, 41, 43¼, 45¼, 47¼, 49½, 51½, 53½, 55½, 57¾, 59¾)” bust circumference
1340-2680 yds of Worsted weight yarn, sample shown in Quince & Co. Lark in Frank’s Plum 114
36-inch circular needle, US 6 - 4.0 mm and US 5 – 3.75 mm
23 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette

Learn more about Kaeryn in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Carrie Bostick Hoge

Ezekiel Saw - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Every so often, a design bursts, Athena-like, fully formed from its creator’s head. Ezekiel Saw is one such design for me. I had a clear vision of a triangle shawl in two-similarly toned, but distinct colors with detailed open lace bands. The subtly marled palette of CoopKnits’ Socks Yeah! provided the perfect material for bringing that vision to life.

The Wave and Wheel lace pattern of the bands creates a wheel within a wheel motif, reminiscent of an old folk song about an altogether different kind of vision, “Ezekiel Saw Da Wheel.”

66”/167 cm wingspan, 27” from center back to point
Yarn: Socks Yeah! by CoopKnits (75% Superwash Merino, 25% nylon; 230yd [212m]/50g)
MC: 2 skeins Ammolite (102) and CC: 1 skein Axinite (103) Sample uses all of suggested yarn.
Needles: 24” circ in size US 5 / 3.75 mm
Gauge: 18 sts and 38 rows = 4”/10 cm in St st

Also available as a kit!

Learn more about Ezekiel Saw in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Bristol Ivy/Ms. Cleaver Creations

Domenic Duck - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Finished Size:
11 inches/ 28 cm tall.

Yarn:
Brown Sheep Co. Lambs Pride Super
Wash; 200 yds/ 183 m per 3.5 oz /
100g skein; 100% wool:
MC: #SW169 Sunshine Yellow or 200 yds worsted weight yarn.
CC: #SW038 Alabaster or 25 yds worsted weight yarn
• 1 yard black yarn or embroidery thread.

Pattern is knit in the round from the bottom up with a short-row tail. Wings and beak are picked up seamlessly with an afterthought technique. The first few rounds of all appendages will be fiddly, but it is easier if you use the magic loop technique.

Step by step tutorial available at MsCleaver.com

Also available as a complete kit.

Learn more about Domenic (Duck) in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Leah B. Thibault

Atlee - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Summer begs for basics, and Atlee delivers. In Cleaner Cotton™ Willet, with an a-line shape, scooped neckline and textural details in the yoke, Leah B. Thibault’s tee is a picture-perfect essential for easy days in the sun.

Shown in size 35” / 89 cm with 1” / 2.5 cm positive ease

Bust Circumference: 33 (35, 36¾, 39¾, 43¼, 45, 48, 50)" [84 (89, 93.5, 101, 110, 114.5, 122, 127) cm] bust circumference
Yarn: 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8) skeins of Willet by Quince & Co in Sail (701)(100% cleaner cotton; 160yd [146m]/50g)
Needles:

32” circ in size US 5 / 3.75 mm
16” circ in size US 4 / 3.5 mm
set dpns in size US 4 / 3.5 mm

Gauge: 25 sts and 33 rows = 4”/10 cm in St st on larger needles

Learn more about Atlee in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Pam Allen

Maian – PDF Pattern

$6.00

Just south of the Texan fields where the goats and sheep that supply Piper’s fibers graze, once flourished several rich Mesoamerican cultures. One of the best-known imprints these civilizations left behind were the stairstep temples made famous by the Mayans and Aztecs. A distinctive shape that lends itself well to knitted shawl construction.

The shawl is worked from the tip up, with a 5 stitch-wide garter stitch border. Increases are done via yarnovers at the start and end of each RS lace row, as well as with backward loop cast on sts in the garter stitch between lace sections.

Skills required : knitted cast on, backward loop cast on, increasing, decreasing, binding off.

Charts and line-by-line instructions included.

52 “ wingspan, 25” depth
610 yds of Fingering weight yarn, sample shown in Quince & Co. Piper in Avocet 610
32-inch circular needle, US 6 - 4.0 mm
18 sts and 7 rows= 4 inches in chevron lace, after blocking

Learn more about Maian in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Emma Sampson

Ripley - PDF Pattern

$6.50

Bare those sun-worshipping shoulders in Ripley, designed by Leah B. Thibault. This racer-back tank is knitted in the round from the bottom up in Kestrel linen, shaped with side and back darts, and embellished with a beautiful vine lace detail at the back. For those seeking a true summer knit, this beauty is for you.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
30 (32, 34, 37¼, 40¼, 42¼, 45½, 47½)" [76 (81.5, 86.5, 94.5, 102, 107.5, 115.5, 120.5) cm] bust circumference; shown in size 32" [81.5 cm] with 2" [5 cm] negative ease

YARN:
kestrel / cove 503 / 5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins

NEEDLES:
32" circular in size US 10 [6 mm] / one spare circular in size US 10 [6 mm]

GAUGE:
15½ sts and 22 rnds = 4" [10 cm] in stockinette stitch, after blocking

SKILLS REQUIRED:
Knitted cast on, wrap-and-turn short rows, three-needle bind off (links provided). Chart and line-by-line instructions included.

Domenic Duck KAL - Afterthought Prep, Pick Up and Finishing!

April 5, 2017 Ms. Cleaver

Today we're going to move from something ressembling a wide wooden shoe to something more duck-like.

As before, click on any gridded photo for a larger version.

Centered Doubled Decreases (cddc)

A centered double decrease (cddc) decreases two stitches with center stitch making a clear line up the middle. Work a cddc as follows:

Work until there is one stitch before the marked stitch
Slip the unworked stitch and marked sts together as one, as if you were knitting them
Knit the next stitch normally
Pass the two slipped stitches over the knitted stitch.

The line of the center of the decreases should be pretty clear to follow, but feel free to move up the stitch marker if you find it helpful.

Preparing for an Afterthought Appendage

I like working wings/legs/etc in an afterthought style, because it means that the appendage is firmly attached to the body, no grafting or seaming needed. Meaning it stands up all the stronger to any grabby hands.

To set up for an afterthought:

Put down your working yarn, but do not cut.
Knit the correct number of stitches in scrap yarn.
Slip sts in scrap yarn back to left hand needle.
Knit the stitches again with working yarn and carry on as usual.

I like to keep the tails of the scrap yarn on the outside of the body, as this helps when you need to pick it out.

Picking Up An Afterthought Appendage

To pick up the stitches for an afterthought appendage, work as follows:

Using a spare needle, pick up the right side of each stitch just below the scrap yarn stitching, picking up one stitch for each scrap yarn stitch.
Repeat for the row of stitches just above the scrap yarn.
Using a spare knitting or tapestry needle, pick out the scrap yarn. You should be left with the same number of stitches on each needle.

The first few rounds after you pick up will be fiddly, because there's not a lot of give because the body is already stuffed. It's a bit easier if you use magic loop and isn't a problem after those first few rows.

Making the Eyes (French Knots)

Make the facial features before you do (or at least graft shut) the beak, as it will be easier to hide the ends.

Secure thread at inside of head.
Bring up needle through fabric at desired position.
With needle pointing away from fabric, wrap thread around shank of needle 2-3 times. (The more wraps, the bigger the finished knot).
Holding onto the yarn tail until it becomes too short, push the needle down through the fabric one half-stitch over from where it came up. Pull snugly against fabric.

Repeat steps 2-4 for second eye. You can also add eyebrows, eyelashes, etc. at this point.

Grafting Openings Shut (Kitchener Stitch)

Kitchener Stitch is my favorite way to seamlessly close together these afterthought openings to do so:

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail and thread a tapestry needle.
Place all stitches on two needles, with an equal amount on each needle and the needle tips pointing right.
Put tapestry needle through first stitch on front needle (closest to you) as if to knit and pull tail through, removing the stitch off the knitting needle.
Put tapestry needle through next stitch on front needle as if to purl. Pull tail through, but DO NOT remove stitch from knitting needle.
Put tapestry needle through first stitch on back needle (farthest from you) as if to purl and pull tail through, removing the stitch off the knitting needle.
Put tapestry needle through next stitch on back needle as if to knit. Pull tail through, but DO NOT remove stitch from knitting needle.

Repeat Steps 3-6 until all stitches have been grated together. Adjust tightness of tail so join is smooth before weaving in ends.

Congratulations! You now have all the techniques you need to finish your duck!!

If you're on Instagram, please tag me @mscleaver or via #domenicKAL or post in the Ravelry Group by April 21st to be eligible to win prizes!

Domenic Duck Kit

$38.00

Contains almost* everything to make one cuddly, washable duck, so you can get right to stitching. Knit in the round, the finished duck measures approximately 12 inches, the perfect size for hugging.

Printed Pattern
1 skein Lamb’s Pride Superwash Wool in Sunshine Yellow
25 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Alabaster
5 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Onyx
Tapestry Needle
4 oz. Polyfill Stuffing

Kit is packaged in a kraft paper gable box suitable for giving.

* Pattern suggests size US 4 DPNs or circular needle, optionally available

PDF Pattern available.

Kit does not include completed duck

Limited Availability

Domenic Duck - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Finished Size:
11 inches/ 28 cm tall.

Step by step tutorial available at MsCleaver.com

Also available as a complete kit.

Learn more about Domenic (Duck) in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Leah B. Thibault

Domenic Duck KAL - W&T Short Rows

March 30, 2017 Ms. Cleaver

Short rows are one of the most valuable shaping tools in a knitter's toolbox. With them you can turn heels, add bust darts, raise the back neck of a sweater, and make an adorably curly duck tail.

There are numerous ways to do short rows, but I'm sticking with the basic wrap and turn (W&T) version here.

W&T Knitwise

Knit number of stitches as indicated in pattern before wrap.
To Wrap, slide next unknitted stitch to right hand needle, bring yarn to front, as if to purl.
Slip st from right hand needle back to left hand needle, keeping yarn at front of work.
Pull yarn to back of work. The first stitch on the left hand needle should now have a nice wrap around it.
Turn work to opposite side, with yarn as to purl.

W&T Purlwise

Purl number of stitches as indicated in pattern before wrap.
To Wrap, slide next unworked stitch to right hand needle, bring yarn to back, as if to knit.
Slip st from right hand needle back to left hand needle, keeping yarn at back of work.
Pull yarn to front of work. The first stitch on the left hand needle should now have a nice wrap around it.
Turn work to opposite side, with yarn as to knit.

As you work the short rows across the tail, you'll start to form a triangle shape at one end, with a neat little wrap around each stitch.

Curling the Tail

To give the tail it's adorable curl, the outside is going to need to be longer the the inner part of the curl. So you'll need to work a few short rows where the row stays the same length/doesn't get shorter. In this case, you will be re-wrapping a stitch you've already wrapped once.

Picking up the Wraps

Depending of the short row, you may have one, two, or three wraps to pick up as you work your way back out to longer rows.

Knitwise

Knit to first wrapped stitch.
Using the right hand needle, pick up all wraps and slide them onto the left hand needle, making sure not to drop the original stitch that was wrapped.
Knit through the stitch with all its wraps. This may be a k2tog, k3tog, or k4tog, depending on the number of wraps.

Purlwise

Purl to first wrapped stitch.
Using the right hand needle, pick up all wraps and slide them onto the left hand needle, making sure not to drop the original stitch that was wrapped.
Purl through the stitch with all its wraps. This may be a p2tog, p3tog, or p4tog, depending on the number of wraps.

As you work the short rows back out, you'll close off the top of the triangle and have and cute little tail! Your project will also look like a shoe for a wide-footed gnome.

Up next: shaping the neck and setting up for afterthought appendages.

Domenic Duck Kit

$38.00

Contains almost* everything to make one cuddly, washable duck, so you can get right to stitching. Knit in the round, the finished duck measures approximately 12 inches, the perfect size for hugging.

Printed Pattern
1 skein Lamb’s Pride Superwash Wool in Sunshine Yellow
25 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Alabaster
5 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Onyx
Tapestry Needle
4 oz. Polyfill Stuffing

Kit is packaged in a kraft paper gable box suitable for giving.

* Pattern suggests size US 4 DPNs or circular needle, optionally available

PDF Pattern available.

Kit does not include completed duck

Limited Availability

Bradac Polar Bear Kit

$38.00

Contains almost* everything to make one cuddly, washable bear, so you can get right to stitching. Knit in the round, the finished bear measures approximately 12 inches from nose to tail, the perfect size for hugging.

Printed Pattern
1 skein Lamb’s Pride Superwash Wool in Alabaster
25 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Holly Green
5 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Onyx
Tapestry Needle
4 oz. Polyfill Stuffing

Kit is packaged in a kraft paper gable box suitable for giving.

* Pattern suggests size US 4 DPNs or circular needle, optionally available

PDF Pattern available.

Kit does not include completed bear

Limited Availability

Domenic Duck KAL

Apr 5, 2017

Domenic Duck KAL - Afterthought Prep, Pick Up and Finishing!

Apr 5, 2017

Mar 30, 2017

Domenic Duck KAL - W&T Short Rows

Mar 30, 2017

Mar 28, 2017

Domenic Duck KAL - Joining in the Round, KFBs, and Building a Base

Mar 28, 2017

Mar 27, 2017

New Kits for Spring and a KAL!

Mar 27, 2017

Domenic Duck KAL - Joining in the Round, KFBs, and Building a Base

March 28, 2017 Ms. Cleaver

Want to join in the fun? All kits (knit and embroidery) are 25% off now through April 4th with the code SPRINGFLING.

Today we're kicking off the KAL by starting at the bottom and building a solid base.

Circular knitting: some swear by magic loop, other prefer two circulars and still other like the old fashion simplicity of double-pointed needles (dpns). As for me? I think they all do different things really well, so it's about matching the method to part of the project. So while the majority of this KAL will be shown using magic loop, I'm going to start on dpns - you can, of course, use whatever method you prefer. :)

Note: Click any photo in a grid to bring up a larger image.

Joining in the Round

When it comes to a very small number of stitches, I find dpns the easiest to handle, rather than constantly shifting around a circular cord. To join in the round, my favorite method is a follows:

Spread your stitches evenly across 3 dpns, making sure that the stitches don't get twisted at the needle breaks (Check to make sure the loops/bumps under the needles all look the same).
Shift the last stitch on the left hand needle to the right hand needle.
Pull the stitch that is second-most to the left on the right hand needle (the first stitch you cast on), pull it over the stitch you just shifted and place it on the left needle.
Now you're joined your stitches and can begin knitting in the round.

Increasing with KFBs

All of the increases in this pattern are KFBs or knit into the front, then back of the stitch. This increases one stitch, and leaves a rather visible bump or bar on the left at the increased stitch, with a smooth line on the original stitch. You'll want that line of the original stitch to continue unbroken up across series of increases.

To KFB:

Insert your right-hand (RH) needle into the first stitch on the left-hand (LH) needle and knit as you normally would, but do not remove the stitch from the LH needle yet.
Shift your RH needle so it goes through that same LH stitch, but through the back of the loop.
Make a knit stitch and slip off the LH stitch off the needle. You'll have increased 1 st.

Changing from DPNs to Magic Loop

Because you'll be stuffing the duck as you go along, having the flexibility of a circular cable can be helpful, so once I reach a solid number of stitches on my dpns (about 10 per needle or more), I'll switch to using the magic loop technique. Two circular needles can accomplish this too.

However, when you're on dpns it's easy to use the needle breaks in lieu of stitch markers (and I try to design my animal patterns to make sense along those needle breaks), so you'll need to add them when you switch to the circular(s).

To switch, simply put down that 4th dpn you've been knitting with and pick up your circular and start knitting as usual, putting a stitch marker at each needle break.

Keep increasing (and keeping those increase lines nice and straight!) and next time we'll look at wrap and turn short rows for making that adorably curly tail.

Domenic Duck - PDF Pattern

$6.00

Finished Size:
11 inches/ 28 cm tall.

Step by step tutorial available at MsCleaver.com

Also available as a complete kit.

Learn more about Domenic (Duck) in the Chronicles

View it on Ravelry

Photos © Leah B. Thibault

Domenic Duck Kit

$38.00

Contains almost* everything to make one cuddly, washable duck, so you can get right to stitching. Knit in the round, the finished duck measures approximately 12 inches, the perfect size for hugging.

Printed Pattern
1 skein Lamb’s Pride Superwash Wool in Sunshine Yellow
25 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Alabaster
5 yds Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool in Onyx
Tapestry Needle
4 oz. Polyfill Stuffing

Kit is packaged in a kraft paper gable box suitable for giving.

* Pattern suggests size US 4 DPNs or circular needle, optionally available

PDF Pattern available.

Kit does not include completed duck

Limited Availability

Domenic Duck KAL

Apr 5, 2017

Domenic Duck KAL - Afterthought Prep, Pick Up and Finishing!

Apr 5, 2017

Mar 30, 2017

Domenic Duck KAL - W&T Short Rows

Mar 30, 2017

Mar 28, 2017

Domenic Duck KAL - Joining in the Round, KFBs, and Building a Base

Mar 28, 2017

Mar 27, 2017

New Kits for Spring and a KAL!

Mar 27, 2017

New Kits for Spring and a KAL!

March 27, 2017 Ms. Cleaver

For a long time, I've been wanting to expand my designs beyond just knitting patterns, so I'm pleased to introduce my first trio of embroidery designs! Each design can be purchased as a PDF pattern or as a complete kit with pre-printed fabric, needle, thread and hoop. I've always found embroidery quite soothing, and when the design is already on the fabric, its even easier to incorporate a little slow stitching into your day.

In addition to the embroidery designs, I'm also pleased to offer my Domenic Duck pattern as kits. This oldie but a goody has been slightly revamped for even more adorable shaping and is the perfect size for snuggling. It's also quick enough to work up for inclusion in this year's Easter baskets.

One of the comments I hear most frequently in relation to my designs is some variation of "That's beautiful, but I'm not there yet."

I never want anyone to feel like my designs are out of reach, and I feel like I gain so much when I try to stretch my own skills, so I've been working to make my designs more accessible for crafters of all skill levels.

This means that my new stuffed animal kits will be paired with a step-by-step online tutorial series/KAL (with prizes!) and all embroidery kits come with a basic stitch guide. Hopefully these tools will give you the confidence to take the leap and try something new!

Embroidery Kits

Ms. Billingsley Apron Kit and Pattern

from $9.00

Ms. Marian Pillow Kit & Pattern

from $9.00

Little Reader Girl - Complete Kit

from $9.00

Little Reader Boy - Complete Kit

from $9.00

My First Rodeo - Complete Kit

$22.00

Good Night Sleep Tight - Complete Kit

from $9.00

Chickadee - Complete Kit

from $9.00

Ice Skater - Complete Kit

from $9.00

Cozy Cabin - Complete Kit

from $9.00

Woodland Hoops - Complete Kit

from $21.60

Introducing: Domenic

April 1, 2011 Ms Cleaver

To ring in the start of spring, I'd like to introduce my newest pattern, Domenic.

Domenic was inspired by my little cousin once removed. When I found out he would be soon be joined by a little sibling, I told him I'd like to knit a toy for his little brother or sister and asked him what kind of animal he'd think they'd like. After a little thinking (and a little encouragement from mom) he decided resoundingly - a duck!!

Domenic is knit in the round from the bottom up and features a short row tail. The wings and beak are picked up from holders and worked using the magic loop technique. Knit seamlessly in a sturdy cotton yarn, Domenic can handle a lot of cuddling and go in the wash.

The Stats:

Finished Size: 11 inches/ 28 cm tall.

Yarn: (MC)1 skein Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Solids in 18010 Yellow: 200 yd/ 184m per 113g/4 oz skein; 100% Cotton. (CC)1 skein Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Multi in 19605 Creamsicle: 150 yd/ 138m per 85g/3 oz skein; 100% Cotton.

Scraps of black or dark-colored yarn for eyes. Several lengths of scrap yarn

Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in Stockinette on size 6US/ 4 mm needles.

Needles & Notions: Size 6 US / 4 mm circular needles in 24 and 40 inches. Set of Size 6 US/ 4mm double pointed needles (Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.)

Removable Stitch Markers Tapestry needle Polyester stuffing

You can queue up the pattern on Ravelry or you can purchase the pattern here:

$5 USD

Centered Doubled Decreases (cddc)

Preparing for an Afterthought Appendage

Picking Up An Afterthought Appendage

Making the Eyes (French Knots)

Grafting Openings Shut (Kitchener Stitch)

W&T Knitwise

W&T Purlwise

Curling the Tail

Picking up the Wraps

Knitwise

Purlwise

Joining in the Round

Increasing with KFBs

Changing from DPNs to Magic Loop

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