Prep for GAL2015: which patterns would you like me to include in the sale? #giftalong2015 #knitscope

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#FOFriday Finally! Benwick is ready for her closeup #benwick #knitscope

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quick + purly: 5 capes

Even though it's 75 degrees on November 6th here in New York City, my thoughts have turned irrevocably towards cozy, wintry knits (apologies to my friends in the Southern Hemisphere). Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and I can soon feel comfortable knitting and wearing my woolies. To put me in the proper mood, I've found five lovely and clever cape patterns that would be perfect for the weather I'm hoping for. Each of these patterns has special details that make them stand out in any crowd.

1. Arien of Dorthonion Capelet by The Jane Victoria $5 USD 
   
2. Lothlorien Cape by Susan Pandorf $8 USD 
   
3. Emily Capelet by Ysolda Teague £3.75 GBP (about $5.84 USD) 
   
4. Yoked Cycling Capelet by Tanya Seaman $6 USD 
   
5. Jasper Wrap by Jennifer Lang C$6 CAD (about $4.68 USD) 
   

All images from patterns' Ravelry pages. No copyright infringement intended. I just want to share the love!

And a cape + cowl set from me (this one's free!):

• Caught in the Rigging by Kathleen Dames FREE on Knitty.com

Have you knit a cape? Or do you think these are ponchos? Let me know your favorite in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!

xoxo,

What should my next project be? #WIPWed #knitscope

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Techniques on Tuesday: 72 degrees and sunny #knitscope in Riverside Park

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Winding yarn for new project: swift and wonder in action #knitscope

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Technique: Integrated Button Bands

When I introduced you to Marianne cardigan on Monday, I realized I hadn't talked in-depth about one of my favorite cardigan techniques: Integrated Button Bands.

I picked up the basics of this technique from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket. In that pattern she has you work the button bands on both sides of the jacket, since you might be knitting it before the baby is born and would not know the sex of the child. Once the baby is born you'd be able to sew the buttons onto the jacket on the "proper" side.

When I thought about the technique for an adult sweater, I realized that doing both button holes meant that you would know exactly where to sew the buttons on when you were finishing the garment: over the holes, which would line them up perfectly with the buttonholes!

Since small buttons and lots of them are my preference, basic "baby" button holes using yo, k2tog work perfectly. Garter Stitch works nicely as the base, since the fabric is springy and tightens up just enough to prevent the button band from sagging.

Patterns I've published that use this technique include:

• Bloc Party Cardi (FREE on Knitty)
• Kellynch Cardigan (I'll be self-publishing this one from Jane Austen Knits 2014 soon)
• Marianne Cardigan
• Pomegranate Cardi

Have you ever used this technique? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,