Second Thursday Swatches

Thank you all for your excellent blog suggestions. My Bloglovin list is growing thanks to you. I especially loved it when some of you sent links to your own blogs. It's really fun to see what you are all working on. Please keep the links coming!

As part of my commitment to blogging I've come up with a schedule of the types of posts I'd like to do. Each Thursday of the month will have it's own theme, with Second Thursdays being all about swatches. Since today is the second Thursday, I'd like to introduce you to Second Thursday Swatches. 

For today's swatch I have a fun clustered stitch that gives an almost crocheted effect. I promise you though, this is entirely knit. I don't know the name of this stitch pattern, if anyone out there does let me know and I'll add it. ETA: Dana commented and told us that this pattern is a variation of the Anemone stitch. Thanks Dana!

This stitch pattern is great for cowls, shawls, and scarves because it looks great on both sides. It's also an excellent choice for variegated yarns. I've shown it knit in a single color and then as a two color pattern. As you can see in the photo above, both side look great either way. So for this one I am not going to say which is the RS and which is the WS.

If you swatch this pattern, I'd love to see your swatches. So please send a photo. If I get enough photos of your Second Thursday Swatches I'll start a album so that we can see them all in one place.

Here's how I did it. If you work it as a two color pattern work rows 1 & 2 in one color, and rows 3 & 4 in the second color.

Instructions

This stitch pattern is best for an intermediate to advanced knitter. Row 2 below is the trickiest bit. The idea is to create 5 elongated sts by dropping the double yarn overs from the previous row and then clustering them by knitting the 5 elongated sts together, then without dropping the 5 elongated sts work 9 new sts into them, so that the 5 elongated sts become 9 sts.

CO a multiple of 5.

Knit 2 rows

Row 1: (Yo twice, k1) to end. — note that the first yo twice will be at the beginning of the needle, before the first knit st.

Row 2: *(Slip 1, drop both yarn overs) 5 times, knit these 5 elongated sts together but do not drop them off the needle, (yo, k1) 4 times into the k5tog, drop the 5 elongated sts from the needle. Repeat from * to end. — each cluster creates 9 sts from the 5 elongated sts that are knit together.

Row 3: (K1, k2tog 4 times) to end. — stitch count after this row should equal the number of sts cast on.

Row 4: Knit.

 

The Specs on My Swatch

Yarn: Anzula Oasis, 70% Silk and 30% Camel; Colors: Temperance (gold) and Denim (blue)

Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm -- use the needle size that creates a fabric you like with your yarn and knitting tension. If I were to knit a cowl or scarf in this pattern with this yarn, I would probably go up a needle size.

Gauge: I'm not going to tell you my gauge. See my note on needles above.

Cast On: 25 sts

Finished Measurements: 4" wide x 3.25" high

Comments

[gale zucker (she shoots sheep shots)]

This is fabulous! I love all the details you included. I may have to dedicate part of every second Thursday to trying them out.

[Kirsten]

Thanks Gale! I would love, love, love to see photos of your swatches. It's only once a month, so it's not a huge commitment.

[Carole]

Great idea for a Thursday theme. That stitch is very interesting. I'd love to see it incorporated into a sock cuff.

[Dana]

I think your stitch is called anemone stitch. It looks like the one used in this pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/perrine
and this pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/granemones-shawl
The only difference being that there are no plain knit rows betweeen the anemones.
I love this stitch, even though after a while it hurts my wrists to do it. I love it especially when every row of anemones is done in a different colour.

[Tanis]

What a super cool blog feature. I love it! And that stitch is awesome. Thanks for sharing and glad to have you back in the blogosphere!

[marylou]

Great idea. I love swatching for fun.

[Rebecca]

Great post theme - I will look forward to every second thursday!

[steph@woolythyme]

great pattern.....lovely color combo, too!

[margene]

Not only do we have Kirsten's return to blogging, but we also have a chance to learn something new and wonderful!

[Beverly]

I love this theme! And this stitch--it looks like a relative of Broomstick lace crochet, but more fun to do!

[Suzanne]

I'm going to really like this series!

[Tien]

Beautiful! Love that it looks like crochet, but is all knitted. Looking forward to this series every month.