Knittyspin: Fall 2008

Knittyspin™: you like yarn, so make yarn.

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model: Alexandra Tinsley

photos: Travis Schuster

by Alexandra Tinsley

For the record, "Oncleow" is the Old English root for the word "Ankle"...and it also sounds like you're saying "ankle" with a mouthful of marshmallows... or fluffy pink yarn. Say it "On-Clows".

I’m a big fan of running around in skirts and pretty shoes, but sometimes my ankles feel, well…naked. Left out. “Your wrists get barely practical little pulse warmers,” they cry, “why don’t we?”

Well, no more, little ankles! Your day has come. These little cuffs will keep you just a little bit toasty, for those times when it’s just a little bit cool.

Besides being cute, they’re a great use for those almost-too-little-to-be-useful skeins of pretty handspun that every spinner or handspun enthusiast is bound to have around somewhere. If you’d rather have full-on legwarmers, just make them a bit longer, or start with fewer stitches for wrist warmers if you’re more of a traditionalist.

SIZE

One

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Circumference: 8 inches
Length: 5 inches

MATERIALS

2 ply worsted weight (some variation in thickness is fine) handspun yarn from combed merino top, approx. 9 wpi, approx. 90yd/82m

Recommended needle size:

1 set US #8/5mm double-point needles
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]

Tapestry needle

Ribbon or additional yarn for tie

GAUGE

15 sts/24 rows = 4 inches in pattern

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]

Ankle warmer is cast on at the upper edge, and worked down to the lower edge. Keep this in mind if you are using a yarn which will change colour.

DIRECTIONS

CO 30 sts.

Divide sts between needles and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Round 1: [K2, p1] to end.
Round 2: K all sts.
Repeat these 2 rounds until work measures 5 inches or desired length.

Note: Binding off as described below creates a stretchy, slightly flared, bumpy edge.

BO Round: K1, [slip st just worked from right needle back to left needle, k2, pass first st worked over second st] until 1 st remains. Break yarn and draw through last st.

Make a second ankle warmer in the same way.

FINISHING

Wheel: Ashford Kiwi

Weave in ends.
Use tapestry needle to weave a length of yarn or ribbon through work just below CO edge, using photos as guides. When ankle warmer is worn, tie yarn or ribbon into a bow.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Alex is a 20-something, college-hopping psych/art student with not-so-secret yarn related ambitions that make her dear mother nervous.

She enjoys knitting, spinning, and picture-taking, all three of which can be seen on her blog.