Clog Style

Many a request I have gotten over the past year of pattern design for a clog style slipper. The Scuffie Slippers are low in the back, but aren't quite "clog style low". So yesterday I finally sat down and put yarn to loom and figured it out. I'll have to admit, this problem was in the back of my mind for a while. So I think it sorta finally just resolved itself yesterday.

The nice part is there is no heel turning needed with the Clog Style. Heels frighten a lot of people (including me, before I gave it a good try) - so eliminating the need to turn a heel is always a plus. More accessibility for the not so experienced loomer gets people to try things they wouldn't normally. Hopefully, this pattern seems more accessible to the newbie side of the intermediate loomer :)

Anyway, here's some more info about the clogs:

Pattern Name: Classic Clog Style Slipper
Loom used: Knifty Knitter Blue loom (or any slipper size loom)
Yarn: Lion Brand - Super Bulky Weight, Wool Ease Thick 'N Quick in Color 'Grass'
Yardage: About 150 yards (1 skein)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Techniques used: E-wrap, flat panel method, increasing, gathered bind off, I-cord, and whip stitch

-And here's some other pics-

Above is a closeup of the stitch pattern - super easy and looks great

and here's another picture of them on the foot. As you can see they just barely cup the back of the heel.

The Scuffies

So I had a very delightful "Beyond the Basics" Knifty Knitter class in Longmont This past Thursday. It was only two students, but for it being still summer time that is a lot. These two students were great, very excited about learning new things and very quick learners. In my Beyond the Basics classes I always provide one of my patterns for free with the class fee - so on Thursday it was the "Scuffie Slippers" pattern.

After showing them the Purl stitch and having them practice that for a while, I showed them the chunky braid stitch (or 3 over 1) and then flat panel bind off. Since they hadn't taken my basics class, all they knew how to do was make hats. They had made about 50 of those and were getting really board!

Well, they left feeling like they had learned a lot and had already gotten through turning a heel on a Scuffie Slipper. They were excited about taking a Beyond the Basics every month and learning new things and getting a new pattern. I'm excited when my students get excited. I think it makes me more creative just watching their excitement.

Anyway, I started a pair or slippers in class and I'm giving them to the Longmont Michael's store for class display and to entice people to try a class. Since I've had some questions about these and didn't have any other pictures to show, I thought I'd post a few here.

As you can see, the Scuffies are pretty low in the back. Almost low enough to be called clogs. I like the design of these because you can just pull them easily onto your feet and they keep your tootsies nice and warm because they are so thick. The back is just high enough to keep them securely on your foot and the best part - if you make them out of Lion Brand Thick 'n Quick you can just throw them in the wash. Ever time they are washed they get softer and softer. Mine are almost worn out I've worn them so much :(

Here's the slippers I finished yesterday. I think you can see the back better then the picture on my website:




*note: The slippers pictured don't have the optional fun fur around the top edge like the ones on my pattern site. The pattern gives instructions for either version.

Free Great Fit Knifty Knit Mitts pattern

I'm very excited to offer everyone a new free pattern for the "Great Fit Knifty Knit Mitts" that is now posted on LoomKnittingDesigns under the Free patterns section!

Since I couldn't find a mitten pattern I was happy with, I went out and made my own :) I was reluctant to buy a mitten loom set because I wasn't really comfortable making loomed mittens in two parts (one for the hand and one for the thumb). As a knitter, this process just wasn't right. I knew mittens can be made as a flat piece - I've done it many times on needles, after all. So, taking another que from the needles, I poured my energy into creating this pattern.

This pattern is only for the Knifty Knitter round looms (it can be made on other looms with adjustments for gauge). I figured most people have the KK round looms. I also thought it was important to offer them in a men's and women's size. Men are hard to buy for and hard to knit for - I think these would be a great Christmas gift for them. I want to create a childrens size, too - but I'll have to publish that pattern seperately.

Admittedly, this pattern is a little tough. That's why it's an advanced loomer skill level pattern. But I think the results are worth it. I tried to make the instructions and pictures super easy to follow - let me know if anyone has any suggestions for improvements or clarification!

Enjoy the pattern!

Not on pegs or needles...

Alright, so this isn't about anything made on the pegs or needles. But - it is something I've made so I thought I'd post it here anyway:


I just posted this on Etsy yesterday. It think it's the cutest bracelet. I wore it to work yesterday and got many compliments. It was a good break from knitting - but now back to your regularly scheduled blog...

Finished project and other news

Well, I finally finished the cherry color Waves shawl that I was making for a friend. As it usually happens, this one came out better then the one I made for myself. I was more comfortable with the pattern and into the swing of it more - I think. So even though it was on the same loom, the shawl I made for someone else came out a bit wider and lacier then mine. I can't wear red very well, but I think it came out nice. Click on the pic to see larger!

So now I'm wrapping it up to give to her and including a card with care instructions. A simple thing, but care instructions are usually the first question people have. This is a good thing to remember if giving handmade items as gifts or selling...

In other news - Greg and I went to the Wings Over the Rockies museum this weekend and along with the impressive planes and history, I spied something even more impressive.


In a model of a 1950's commercial airliner, in among all the little model passengers, was...that's right...a little model knitter! Of course she was a lot on the granny looking side (thick glasses and a bun) but hey - there she was! I was so impressed that: a) that they had a little model knitter and b) that I had spotted her among all the little figures. Take a look at the shots my friend took after my digi cam had already died for the day. Can you spot the knitter?






Still can't spot her? Here you go:

Even more impressive picture taking - if you ask me. We were stuck behind some velvet ropes that kept us about 8 feet away from the model. A good camera and a long arm did the trick. Thanks Will!

More vintage finds and...

Greg and I went to another antique shop/flea market yesterday. I found some interesting items! The first were two old "Loop Craft" weaving looms. The looms are metal and square and one came with the instruction booklet. They seem like the old version of the potholder looms of today. The old packaging and authentic booklet was too much for me to resist. I plan on experimenting with them...maybe I can make something that the looms weren't intended for :)


The other item I found while digging at the flea market was a "Golden Treasury of Needlecraft" book that was published in 1949. If you've been reading my blog, you know I love old knitting patterns (preferably from the 1940's or before). My mom has found me more then a few, and I've been slowly adding to my collection. I've been particulary looking for books that have not only great old instructions but the nice old intricate patterns. This book has both! It's not only knitting - but includes sewing, crochet, and even a little paper craft.

There are great patterns for men included - very finely knit scarves and gloves patterns. I think I'll be making at least one thing from this book for Christmas presents.

While not digging through flea market booths I've also been working on the Waves shawl for my friend/coworker. It's almost complete now - I haven't measured the length but it looks about there. The Needlecraft book has me picturing how I'm going to wrap it up for her. Somehow handing her a plastic bag with a balled up shawl in it just isn't going to cut it. I'll take a picture of the final presentation when it's done. In the mean time, here's some pics of the Cherry Waves as it looks to date: