Lacy Poncho Pattern tutorial

Westport, CT

Everybody seems to want a free poncho pattern. I'm here to oblige today.

This is about the simplest pattern you could ever find for a poncho. Basically you'll need your favorite lightweight yarn (spend as much or as little as you like), large circular needles, a lacy pattern, a newspaper pattern, and a sewing needle. You will make a rectangular stole and then sew one end to the bottom side of the other end. This will create the poncho.

I decided to make a child's small poncho. So I took The New York Times and started to cut out a nice rectangle. I cut and trim until it seemed the right size for a small poncho (girls size 2-4). It ended up being 27 x 9.5 inches.

Then you sew (or in the case of the newspaper pattern "tape") side "A" to side "B". Block appropriately until your poncho has the correct look. If you want to try the newspaper pattern on for size, do so, and adjust accordingly.

Red Knotted Cap tutorial

Westport, CT

I used 2 skeins of Jo Sharp wool and US Size 5 needles.

CO 90 sts and knit in K3, P2 ribbing until cuff measures 2 inches. Switch to stockinette stitch and knit until piece measures 6 inches from cast on edge.

Basic Prayer Shawl tutorial

Westport, CT

US Size 13 needles
2-3 skeins of Homespun yarn
Dimensions - approx 2ft by 5 ft (minimum 20 inches by 50 inches!)

NOTE - The gauge is not terribly relevant for a prayer shawl. The important thing to know is that your prayer shawl should be somewhere between 20x50 inches to 24x60 inches.

CO 60 sts

Free Baby Hat Pattern with Garter Stitch Edge

Here's the last of my favorite basic baby hats.  This one can be knit either flat or in the round, but as I have stated earlier, I always think it's best to knit a baby hat in the round to eliminate any seam.  Even the most expert knitter can leave a seam that can irritate a newborn's sensitive skin.

There are many wonderful baby hat patterns out there, many of which are whimsical, witty and wise.  These three baby hats that I've shared with you this week are basic and bountiful.  I hope you'll make many hats to share with others.  Feel free to use this pattern to make gift hats or charity ha

Recycling paper: Foling airplane tutorial

Paper Airplane Garland tutorial

Tutorial: Paper Airplane Garland

Make 150 tiny paper airplanes out of junk mail, old gift wrap, and other pretty coloured papers. I never said it was quick. I believe I used the term "simple".

Apply glue to the airplanes' inner surfaces so they won't unfold. Make a scotch tape hanger for each airplane as shown below. Fold down the ends of the tape.

Thread a needle with string. To string up your paper airplane, push the needle through the scotch-tape-hanger on each plane, and gently pull the string through. Repeat 150 times. No problem, eh?

Beading patterns

 
Beading for evening party
 

Beading motif

 

Bead accessories diagram