Monday, February 28, 2011

Don't Get Pinched This St. Patrick's Day! Make This Rockin' Knit Shamrock to Wear!


Austin Craft Mafia member, Vickie Howell, shares this crafty little project perfect for St. Patrick's Day! If green really isn't your color, then why not make one of these cute little shamrocks to wear on March 17th. You can sew them to a t-shirt or glue a pin to the back and wear on a sweater or jacket. Visit her blog for the original tutorial and check out all her other great patterns and how-to's!

MATERIALS
Scraps of Green, Sock Yarn
Size US 2 (2.75mm) Needles
Tapestry Needle
Large = 3 1/2" tall
Small = 2 1/2" tall

How to Knit:

MITERED LEAVES (Make 3..or 4, if you're feeling lucky!)
CO 18 (20) sts.

Larger Size Only
Row 1: K8, ssk, k2tog, k8.
Rows 2,4,6,8: Knit

Both Sizes (for smaller size, treat Row 3 as 1)
Row 3: K7, ssk, k2tog, k7.
Row 5: K6, ssk, k2tog, k6.
Row 7: K5, ssk, k2tog, k5.
Row 9: k4:ssk, k2tog, k4
Row 10: Ssk, BO to last 2 sts (you’ll still have one st on the RH needle as well), ssk, BO remaining sts.

Using a tapestry needle, sew leaves together.
Pick up 3 sts at base of shamrock and knit a 1 1/2"-2" i-cord stem (for an i-cord refresher, see my how-to video). BO.
Curve stem with your fingers. Weave in ends.

How to BeJewell:


1. Use a heatproof surface such as a ceramic tile to rest heat tool on between applications and while cooling. Set slightly away from work area to prevent burns.
2. Move button to ON position and hold button down to heat. Press tip on tissue or paper. When ready, a scorched spot will appear.
3. Hold tool straight up and touch top of embellishment. Hard pressure is not needed, heat will melt glue. Too much pressure will cause tip to slip and burn your knitted piece!
4. Allow tool to heat up again if laid down or finger is removed from button.

Ideas for What to Do with Your Shamrock:
  • Hot glue or sew a pin to the back, and wear it as a "Don't Pinch Me" brooch.
  • Use a little Tacky Glue to paste it on a card front, for a one-of-a-kind St. Patty's Day greeting.
  • Use as an applique by hand tacking or using decorative embroidery to sew your "shams" onto a tote bag, pillow, t-shirt, onsie, and more!
  • Make neck garland by knitting a whole slew of shamrocks and attaching them to a long piece of ribbon or crochet chain. See my Love Rocks garland for inspiration.
For more crafty inspiration, visit Vickie Howell online at - vickiehowell.com & vickiehowell.blogspot.com

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