07 January 2008

In which Lydia tries to recreate a pattern she should have written notes on the first time.


Ok, so I wanted to make another cup cozy. I swear I wrote down how I did it, but apparently I'm mistaken. I decided to forge ahead with another one with only a vague notion of the construction, and no idea on the number of stitches or rows.

This is my first attempt at trying to write a pattern, so bear with me ;)

Here's what I have so far:

Made out of Lamb's Pride, 2 colors. Your choice.
equipment:
size 6 needles, similar sized DPNs, tapestry needle

Cast on 15 stitches with CC. Knit in garter stitch for about 30 rows.

Now, you're going to cast on additional stitches to make the body. Depending on if you want your pocket to open for your left hand or right hand you need the body's new stitches to extend either left for your right hand, or right for your left hand.

Let's say we're right handed.

With MC, purl across next row and cast on (whichever method you prefer.. backwards loop or cable cast on both work) 3o more stitches. Knit back across all stitches.
Continuing in stockinette knit 23 more rows.
With CC knit two rows.
With MC knit two rows. Bind off.

You now have what looks sort of like a sideways L.

Loosly weave in ends. Doesn't have to be too pretty, as it will all felt together.

You are now going to assemble the main body of the cupholder.

Wrap flap around with stockinette side out and overlap flap to create a pocket for your hand. I like about 3 inches or so overlap. Pin top to hold. It might be easier also, to pin the body to the base to make sewing up easier.

With CO edge of body slightly overlapping base, with MC and tapestry needle, catch the CO edge of body and sew it with mattress stitch to base all around. You will be sewing through two layers of body when you get to the pocket. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

With a crochet hook and 3 DPNs , pick up stitches with CC all around top of body. Divide stitches among the 3 DPNs as needed. As with base, you will be picking up through two layers when you work across the pocket. Try to pick up stitches to a multiple of 4.

When you've reached the beginning of the picked up stitches, begin knitting in a 2x2 rib (if you've picked up to a multiple of 4.. if not, continue in all purl stitches.)
Knit about 4 rows and bind off.


Weave in ends, and you're done!

Now for the felting. Put cupholder in a zippered pillowcase and throw into top loading washer with several towels and/or jeans. Set washer to hot/low water/high agitation. Add a squirt of detergent or dishwashing detergent and let run through a cycle. Do not let water drain. I like to leave the top up while agitating to stop the rinse cycle. Check felting to see how it's doing. It will probably have felted a little but we want it tight.

Zip back up in bag, and reset the cycle again. This time the fabric should have seized up pretty tightly. Remove from bag and rinse under cool water. Let excess water drain, then put your hand into the pocket to break apart any felting that might have started to happen. I havn't had much trouble with this. You also are stretching the pocket a little to fit your hand.



Block cozy around a grande Starbucks cup (or similar sized drink cup.) You might pull the cozy up around the sides a little and stick your hand in the pocket again to make sure all fits well. Stretch and tug until everything fits how you like it.

Turn cup with cozy upside down and let dry.

Enjoy your longer lasting hot cup of coffee!

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