01.10.08
Grace’s Leg Warmers
I know I’m a bit late, but. . . Happy New Year! I was going to reserve this time to put up some pictures and explanations of my home UTI treatments, but alas it appears I need to make a run to the herbal shop first. So, that post will have to wait until later when I get to the shop for more supplies. In the meantime, I thought I’d share my first completed knit project for 2008, Grace’s leg warmers.
These are already off in the post, so I hope the recipient likes them when they arrive. I was going to send the pattern, if she liked them (since she’s a new knitter, yay! and starting out so young, I’m jealous! wish I had started as young. . .), but realized I could send it over the net for anyone else, too. So here it is. . .
This was just something I made up. It’s very simple, but it’s not in any formal pattern book, so I hope I explain it properly.
Dimensions 14 1/2″ long. 10″ circumference, approx. since it is a stretchy rib pattern. Gauge on 6 needles 5 stitches to the inch.
Supplies:
1 ball 220 Cascade wool, 100% Superwash. Color 894
1 pair size 8 US knitting needles
2 size 6 circular knitting needles
1 large blunt needle for invisible bind off and weaving in ends when work is completed.
With size 8 US needles, cast on 45 stitches. (I use the cable cast on method, which I find is fairly stretchy).
Take one size 6 circulars and move half of the stitches onto the circular needle, so you have 23 stitches on the 8 needles and 22 stitches on the 6 circular needles. You’re gonna start working in the round, so place both needles back to back. With the 2nd pair of 6 circulars, move one stitch from the 8 needle onto the 1st 6 needle, then knit first two stitches together (this is for the purpose of making a tight start for circular work. By knitting the two stitches together, you will now be working on 44 stitches, instead of 45). Commence with 1×1 ribbing for 12 rows.
*Note: This can be worked on 4 double-pointed needles, and even using the magic loop method on one long circular needle, but I prefer using 2, 24″ circulars).
After 12 rows of ribbing (or how ever many rows you like for your preference length), start working pattern as follows:
Round 1: knit
Round 2: *knit 2, purl 2* repeat * to* to the end of row.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until work measures about 12 1/2 inches or about 83 rows.
After pattern is worked, switch back to 1×1 ribbing for the top half of the leg warmer. Since this half will be over the knee, I thought a more stretchy bind off would work better, so I chose to use the invisible bind off using a needle. I suppose other bind offs would be fine, too, but just make sure to bind off loosely, so that there will be a good amount of stretch.
Lastly, weave in tail yarn, and you’re done! The great thing about working in the round is that there is no seaming to be done. However, this can also be simplified more for beginners by knitting the pattern flat with a normal pair of straight needles, then sewing up the seams once you’re finished. That’s also another option, if you’re not into working in the round.
I hope those instructions were clear. If not, let me know, and I’ll try to explain better.
Okay Grace, my dear, these are for you!
Marlakins 
