Elisemade World Flag Project: Introduction
Back in 2014, I made a miniature American flag out of some scrap cotton yarn. I thought it came out so cute that I immediately made a Mexican and Canadian flag to go with it. After making those three, I was completely inspired (obsessed?) with the idea of making a little knit flag for every country in the world. By the end of that year, I had designed and made a total of 19 flags.
Then the project got pushed to the side. I don’t really remember why, but I just stopped making them. My intention of completing the project was always in the back of my mind, and my little collection of flags never too far away from my project basket, but I always found something else to prioritize over restarting the endeavor.
There are many, many reasons why I feel inspired to start up this project again. Ultimately I believe that especially in this time, we need to be more loving, empathetic, and connected. And so I’ve decided to officially embark on a journey to create the remaining 176 flags of the world. My goal is to make at least one flag per month alongside other projects, and eventually produce a booklet of the patterns to share with you.
To kick off the project, I wanted to share with you the collection of 19 world flags I have already made! For organizational purposes, I have sorted them by region of the world and will share them in regional collections moving forward.
So far in the North America category I have an American, Canadian, and Mexican flag, which are the original first three that I made. Also included in this category is a completed Jamaican flag!
So far the only South American country I have completed is Brazil.
Like South America, I’ve only made one flag from an African country: Guinea.
Since I have 9 completed European flags (Czech Republic, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany), my focus at the outset will be on other parts of the world like Africa and Central and South America.
So far in the Asia category I have China, Singapore, and Japan completed.
My first deadline for the next flag is the end of February, so stay tuned to see what the next design will be! Which flag is your favorite so far?
#WIDN: Mawson Hat by Jared Flood
one of my big goals for 2019 is to knit a bunch of other designer’s patterns. when i first started knitting, i was filled with so many ideas and was very headstrong about trying to figure things out for myself. Now, i see the extreme value in trying others’ written patterns. not only do i want (need) to make some of these beautiful designs for myself (another 2019 goal), but i am excited to learn new skills and techniques to expand my own design process.
so, when i was thinking about what to make my dad for his birthday this past december, i settled on a mochimochiland starter gnome and the mawson hat by jared flood, the esteemed designer behind brooklyn tweed. mawson is a simple 1x1 ribbed beanie or folded-brim watchcap with some really cool decreases that make the hat completely reversible. i love that the pattern includes instructions for both styles, and it is written so you can make one in either worsted or dk weight yarn. Basically, this is a great go-to hat pattern for men or women that you can make with almost anything from your stash.
i typically let my dad pick out his own hat yarn, so while i was home in the bay area for the thanksgiving holiday we visited my favorite yarn store in the area, uncommon threads. he sprang almost immediately for a luxurious string yarns Dolcetto cashmere/merino in color 200741/dark khaki. it’s so incredibly soft!
i was excited to learn a new cast-on technique for this pattern, the 1x1 ribbed cable cast on. Though it gave me some trouble at first, once i got the hang of it it was cool to see the ribbing start right from the get go. then, the body of the hat is all 1x1 ribbing. some knitters may really hate endless 1x1 ribbing, but even though it slows me down a bit i find it very soothing.
guys, the decreases for this pattern threw me for a loop! i generally like to listen to podcasts while i knit, and i figured out very quickly that i really needed to focus on this part of the pattern. the technique was not difficult but definitely required all of my attention! but wow, i’m really impressed with the crown shaping on this pattern and the fact that the decreases render the hat completely reversible. so so cool!
even if you’re experienced with the cast on and decrease techniques, i still highly recommend this excellent pattern. first of all, it’s incredibly well written. and, the finished hat came out so great and is the perfect fit for my dad. now that i have it down pat, i’m looking forward to making the watchcap version, most likely for myself :)
#WIDN: Mochimochi Land Starter Gnome
My dad is obsessed with garden gnomes, so for his birthday this past December I made him the Starter Gnome from Mochimochi Land. I love to make 3D toys, and Anna Hrachovec is undoubtedly the master. From her wide selection of incredibly designed toys and patterns to the seriously amazing stop-motion animations she makes, my family and I are huge fans of her work.
This little gnome was so fun to make and knit up very quickly. I used a selection of scrap worsted and doubled-dk weight yarns in various colors from my stash. the best part of knitting up this pattern for me was insight into Anna’s construction methods, particularly the arms and legs - it’s so clever!
isn’t he so cute?
you can find the pattern for the starter gnome on the mochimochiland website here. And be sure to follow along with Anna on instagram so you don’t miss any cuteness!
DIY: free chunky oversized sweater knitting pattern
Happy new year everyone!
the holidays are officially over (whew), and it feels really good to settle back into the routine of life and get back to the studio. even though i got off to a later start this year than i originally planned, i was able to finish my gift knits just in time. When my husband and i were invited to attend an ugly sweater party with our friends, i just knew i had to find some time to whip up a special sweater.
by the time i was in a good place with gift knits to cast on it was already december 18th, and the party was planned for the evening of the 22nd. considering the time crunch, i decided to keep the sweater design extremely simple and chose a bulky weight yarn to ensure i wouldn’t get bogged down in endless rows. i tend to prefer oversized shirts and sweaters anyway so i made it a large, boxy fit that would complement many different sizes and body types.
beginning with the bottom front, i worked a few rows of ribbing in contrast green before transitioning to the main body of the sweater. the front and back are knit as one continuous piece, and i bound off a selection of stitches across a row to create a neck hole. i then picked up stitches along the “shoulders” and knit flat each sleeve, decreasing the amount of rows towards the cuff and finishing with matching contrast ribbing. the sweater is seamed underneath the sleeves and down each side, and to complete the design i picked up stitches along the neckline and added contrast ribbing.
this is a really great project for beginners, especially those who have been wanting to try out a sweater but might have felt intimidated by the workload or techniques. this sweater requires no advanced stitches or techniques, and no math. as long as you can knit, purl, and pick up stitches, this sweater is easily worked up in a few days!
the end result is a simple and cute drop shoulder design that is super cozy! and it was a huge hit at the party :)
this simple pattern can be customized in so many different ways with different color combos, embroidery, colorwork, stitch patterns, or fringe! i’m excited to have a cozy christmas sweater to wear for the years to come, but i think this pattern would look stunning in a neutral camel brown color.
on to the pattern!
materials
main color: 5 skeins lion brand wool ease thick & quick in cranberry (i ended up using 4 1/2 total)
contrast color: 1 skein lion brand wool ease thick & quick in kale (i used about 3/4 of a skein)
or
6 skeins lion brand wool ease thick & quick in any color or color combo of your choosing
size us 15 (10mm) needles (for body and sleeves)
size us 13 (9mm) needles (for neckline)
tapestry needle
scissors
key
k - knit
p - purl
k2T - knit two stitches together
b/o - bind off
pattern
c/o 50 stitches in main or contrast color, depending on desired finished design
alternate k1/p1 ribbing for 6 rows
switch to main color, continue in stockinette until sweater front measures 24” (approximately 54 rows), ending on a purl row
to shape neckline,
R1: k14, b/o 22, k14
r2: p14, c/o 22, p14
continue in stockinette until sweater back measures 24” (approximately 54 rows)
switch to contrast color, alternate k1/p1 ribbing for 6 rows and bind off.
to make sleeves, pick up 36 stitches (in main color) across the shoulders with the neckline hole centered. continue in stockinette for 19 rows, ending on a purl row.
then, k2t, k32, k2t
continue stockinette for 5 rows, ending on a purl row
then, k2t, k30, k2t
p across row
* k2t, knit until last two stitches remain, k2t
p across row
repeat pattern from * until 20 stitches remain, ending on a purl row
switch to contrast color, k2t, k16, k2t
alternate k1/p1 ribbing for 6 rows and bind off.
to create the neckline, pick up 50 stitches around the neck hole in contrast color using size us 13 (9mm) needles.
alternate k1/p1 ribbing for 6 rows and bind off.
finishing:
using yarn tails, seam sweater from both sides up and underneath both sleeves. weave in ends and do a happy new sweater dance!
what do you think? what colors would you make this sweater in?
ravelry roundup: 5 quick and cute valentine's day knitting projects
february 14th is right around the corner, but there's still time left to whip up a quick and easy knitting project for someone you love! i rounded up these 5 unique valentine's day-themed project ideas from ravelry to get you inspired.
1. this sweet baby hat with intarsia hearts:
© Little Red Window Design
baby hats are one of my favorite things to make; the quickness of the project is very satisfying and they are great for using up leftover yarn. this hearts design is cute and simple and could be made in any color combo!
find the pattern here.
2. these cozy socks with heart details:
© DROPS Design
holiday-themed socks are already a thing, but these handknit ones take a cozy gift to a whole new luxe level. the color combination ideas are limitless!
find the pattern here.
3. this creative idea for a handmade card:
© Irina Raitcis
this card idea is so creative! i'm already thinking of ways to play with this idea and personalize it, like embroidering a message on the heart or making the card in a mini version.
find the pattern here.
4. this conversation heart garland:
© Twinkie Chan
a cute idea to decorating your apartment or home, or make as a gift. this would be a great project to use up some scrap yarn!
find the pattern here.
5. this icord celtic heart knot
design © maddycraft.com, made by Ravelry user BlueTofu
i don't know about you, but i love to knit icord and am always trying to think of different ways to use it. i love the way this designer combined the icord with knot techniques to make an awesome celtic heart knot. it can be made into a necklace, keychain, bracelet, wall hanging, or gift topper. so cute!
find the pattern here.
which valentine's day-themed project is your favorite?