Knitting Dragonflies

Yeah, we know it, we are talented and knitter’s know how to look good in their knits. Last year, we were all knitting or crocheting the big neck wraps. Lots of patterns everywhere, in fact we have been knitting and crocheting them for a couple of years. Now, our scarves are showing up everywhere on the runways…. This year we have all price ranges Derek Lam scarf $35, Armand Diradourian scarf $438, Fendi scarf$180, Anna Kula scarf $225 to name a few. Instead of looking to big name designers, look to the “real designers” of these warm and beautiful items. Tudora by by Cheryl Marling she blogs at a simple yarn Aibhlinn by Mary Burr Baby it’s Cowled Outside by Megan Granholm who blogs at loop de doo Chic Cabled Cowl by Elizabeth at Loop Knits, and she has more patterns. Misti International , chunky, fast pattern ( rav link ) From Hello Yarn this classy Irish hiking scarf ( rav link ), and her Besotted Scarf ( rav link) Just to get you started, find some yarn, get your needles out an

It all started with the book by  Melissa Morgan-Oakes ( rav link ). Knitting two socks at a time. I have tried several other methods of knitting two at a time socks and this is the one that “clicked” for me. The greatest thing about knitting two at a time besides not having the “second sock syndrome” is any alterations you make in the pattern, are immediately done on each sock. I had trouble writing it down, (thinking I’ll remember I did this), ha, no telling how long it would be between each sock.     2 at a time Sailor’s Delight Socks I love her book and the patterns. Almost all of the patterns are for socks I would actually make and wear, or gift to someone. Hot tip!! She is in process of writing another book! The second book will be out in April of 2010 and is toe-up, two at a time.     2 at a time Berry Season socks I did try other methods before this one made sense, if this book doesn't work for you try some others: Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at

Upon a suggestion from a fellow Plurker, I am converting a pattern that I am knitting, to a top down pattern. I am well versed in knitting in the round, bottom up sweaters . I found and fell in love with Elizabeth Zimmerman early in my knitting life. But have found limited info on top down sweaters. Bottom up in the round sweaters made me convert any pattern I could into this type of construction. When you are done, there are none to few pieces to put together, your good to block and wear. Top down, in the round sweaters have had the same effect on me, plus, as everyone points out, you can try them on as you go. I feel like I am “in the flow”when knitting this way. I didn’t think trying them on would be a great plus, but it is. Now I am in search of more top down construction books and info. The best resources that I have found are: Barbara Walker’s Sweaters from the Top down, great book, good explanations, great section on increases, more types than I knew there was, and exam