Dear KnitBits® subscribers,

Today we will begin with a guided tour of the first of our new pattern books for Spring '05, #231 Knit, Crochet & More.  If you click on Web Gallery in the right hand column, you will be able to see all the projects in the book. This book includes ponchos, ponchettes, ponchinis, bikinis, handbags and sweaters with knitting and crochet instructions as well as some hairpin lace projects. The shawls Delta, Dagmar and Danica are made on a Clover Hairpin Lace tool. This technique is easy to learn and the instructions are on the back of the package. We discovered that this craft makes a wonderful fabric from ribbon yarns like Berroco Glace™, Denim Silk and Zen™ Colors.
 
This season one of the hottest fashion accessories is the fringed handbag. Inspired by a designer suede bag that sells for many hundreds of dollars, we created this knitted and fringed bag called Svetlana Sue in black and white Suede™ as well as a crocheted version in purple and blue called Svetlana.
 
This season I have knit and crocheted dozens of handbags using findings from hardware stores, dog chains and even pieces from my costume jewelry box. I sewed a shell necklace around the opening of this crocheted bag called Isabelle in Zen Colors and it gives it a very unique touch.

I have a real weakness for bags, so I will continue to show you my new ideas as I cover the rest of the collection throughout the season. For the Winter '05 issue of Vogue Knitting, I made a handbag that I crocheted in Lavish™, Zoom and Zap™ with a Bling Bling™ handle. I have discovered a method of crocheting an I-cord that looks like garter stitch and makes a good, stiff handle.  I used a gold plated chain necklace for a decorative alternative to a drawstring.
 
Ponchos continue to be a favorite of many knitters and crocheters. Our light and lacy poncho called Madonna is crocheted in GeM, a tricot nylon and metallic yarn that's new from Berroco this season. I love this ribbon for its silken and luminous effect. It makes a cool and slinky fabric that is just right for warm summer nights. Take a look at the shade range.

With shades named for minerals and semi-precious stones, Gem glitters with bursts of golden threads, adding sparkle to the thick and thin ribbon that is space dyed for a hand painted look in brilliant jewel tones. Whether knit or crocheted, this delicate tubular knit nylon ribbon creates slinky, sexy fabric for garments and accessories.  With 125 yards on each 50 gram ball, you can crochet the Adora ponchette with only 4 balls of Gem. You can make the fringed Madonna poncho with only 5 balls.
 
Because so many of you take advantage of our free patterns that we post on our website, today we are adding a selection of great patterns in current yarns from books 199, 200, 201 and 202. Please help yourself, these are absolutely free for you to print out and use.



Marnie from cyberspace asks, "I need your advice ... I'm knitting myself a Suede™ shawl from a generic pattern that I got off the Internet. The directions are as follows: Row One: Knit 1, yarn over, knit to end. Row Two: Repeat Row One. I intend to fringe the piece because I love the way Suede fringes and perhaps I will add some wooden beads into the fringe.  The pattern doesn't say where to quit, only that you can knit a shawl for a Barbie doll, a teddy bear, a child, or an adult. Stop when it's large enough!  So ... what is your advice as to how many stitches I should work until it's time to bind off? I want a nice big shawl with lots of "wrap" to it!”
 
Marnie, in order to answer that question you need to know the gauge of the fabric you are knitting. That is to say you must determine how many stitches per inch you are getting. Be sure to measure your gauge over at least four inches. Then take a tape measure and wrap it around your shoulders to see how many inches fit comfortably with the amount of wrap that you would like. Then multiply the number of stitches per inch by the number of inches you want and you will have the number of stitches you should have when you will bind off.

All the best,


Margery Winter
Creative Director

How to become eligible to win a Free Sweater Kit:
All KnitBits® subscribers will be automatically included in our bi-monthly drawings for a free sweater kit from our newest collection. Your current subscription serves as your official entry. Please do not attempt to re-subscribe, as this will not increase your chances of winning. Good luck!