Just Keep Knitting, Knitting, Knitting…

Katherine Heigl Knitting

Just keep knitting. Just keep knitting. Just keep knitting, knitting, knitting…

My sister came up to Utah for the holidays this year and this was the mantra she and I kept repeating as we feverishly worked to finish our knit gifts for family members. For any of you parents or animated film fans out there it’s a take on Dori the fishes’ song just keep swimming from Finding Nemo (yeah now it’s gonna be stuck in your head too, sorry)!

I included some photos of said knit gifts in a previous post, but wanted to share with you the patterns used and the shortcuts I took to get the gifts done in time.

Knit Cuffed Hand Warmers

The first project I started was Purl Soho’s cuffed hand warmers. I’ve loved this project for years now but have never attempted it due to my unease with using double pointed needles (DPN). This pattern calls for size 4 DPNs which are pretty small and for me, hard to manage.

I called Purl Soho and asked them if I could do the hand warmers on straight needles and then seam them together once they were finished. They said, “sure!” and so that’s just what I did, and by “that’s just what I did” I mean, I found a lovely woman who does beautiful finishing work and paid her to seam the hand warmers together. Some of you may think that’s cheating but trust me when I tell you, it is well worth it to have your knitted projects finished professionally! Once you’ve put all that time and effort into the knitting you want the end product to be gorgeous and sadly I am not that great at gorgeous finishing work! Though I’m working on getting better, I promise!

By eliminating the DPNs I managed to finish one hand warmer in about 3 hours which is the length of a movie followed by one of my favorite half hour tv shows! Which is exactly what I watched while making these. Thank you CBS for the endlessly entertaining show ‘Mom’!

Tea and hand warmers, the perfect cozy combo!

Tea and hand warmers, the perfect cozy combo!
Hand Knitted Cuffed Hand Warmers

Watched hours of ‘Mom’ knitting these hand warmers!

Cowl Neck Warmer

After I finished two sets of the hand warmers I had the idea to do a matching cowl. Again I called up Purl Soho and asked them if they could help me create a pattern. They sent it to me within an hour and off I went! The cowl obviously takes a bit longer than the hand warmers but it’s still a very manageable project. I’d say I had it finished in about 4 to 6 hours. I was only able to get one done, but will definitely do another when I have a little more time and fewer projects to finish. It turned out beautifully and I loved the perfect gift set it made along with the hand warmers!

Matching Cowl Neck Warmer and Hand Warmers

Matching cowl neck warmer and hand warmers
Neck Warmer
  • With the Kosmos and the US #4 circular needles, cast on 122 stitches.
  • Place a marker (optional) and join for working in the round being careful to not twist the stitches.
  • Round 1: Knit.
  • Round 2: Purl.
  • Repeat the last two rounds until piece measures 6 3/4 inches from the cast on edge, ending with a purl round.
  • Bind off loosely in knit.
  • Weave in the ends.
Cuff
  • With the Super Soft Merino and the US #11 circular needles, cast on 72 stitches.
  • Place a marker (optional) and join for working in the round being careful to not twist the stitches.
  • Round 1: *K2 (Knit 2), P2 (Purl 2), repeat from * to end of round.
  • Repeat last round until piece measures 4 3/4 inches from the cast on edge.
  • Changing to the US #10 1/2 circular, repeat Round 1 one time.
  • With a removable stitch marker, safety pin or piece of scrap yarn, mark a stitch from the round right below the needles.
  • Continue to work in the 2 x 2 rib pattern until piece measures 9 3/4 inches from the cast on edge.
  • Bind off loosely in pattern (use the US #11 needle to bind off, if you like).
  • Weave in the ends.
To complete the cowl apply the directions for the cuffed hand warmer pattern from Purl Soho, to sew the neck warmer to the cuff.

Color Dipped Scarf

By the time the hand warmers and cowl were finished it was early December and I knew I needed to pick my next projects with speed and ease in mind! I chose Purl Soho’s color dipped scarf in their delicious gentle giant yarn for Josh’s knit gift.

Color Dipped Scarf

Anyone who knits knows the bigger the yarn and needles the faster the project knits up, so this scarf was the perfect choice as I was fast approaching my Christmas Eve deadline and still had four more projects to do!

The beauty of this scarf is that style isn’t sacrificed for the sake of speed! I finished the scarf in one evening of marathon TV watching and of course waited to weave in the ends until 1 a.m. Christmas morning!

Color Dipped Scarf Weaved Ends

Keep an eye out for my upcoming posts featuring the rest of my knitted Christmas gifts, "Color Dip This!" and "See Ya Later Alli-Gaiter".

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40 Comments

  • Jerry

    My grandmother taught me to knit, and even though I’m not particularly good at it I still find it quite relaxing and meditative when Im feeling contemplative. An all around good skill to add to your set, Id say.

    April 6, 2016 at 1:34 pm Reply
  • Brittany

    I love your blog Katie! ❤️

    April 6, 2016 at 1:46 pm Reply
  • Nancy H

    I love your blog too, and as an avid knitter, I’m so excited to see you sharing your projects. They are beautiful! I love Pearl Soho also, don’t they have the best things?? I’m excited to keep reading your blog! 🙂

    April 6, 2016 at 2:26 pm Reply
  • Valerie Budd

    I love to knit and crochet! I’d love to get my hands on those gigantic knitting needles and gigantic yarn from your December post!

    April 6, 2016 at 2:58 pm Reply
    • keithf

      You can get a hold of them from Purl Soho. Hope that helps!

      April 6, 2016 at 6:56 pm Reply
  • Jennifer

    I haven’t knitted in a long time, but I love to crochet. Seeing your posts on your knitting projects makes me want to take up knitting needles again! SO glad I stumbled onto your blog.

    April 6, 2016 at 4:23 pm Reply
  • Nikita Rao

    Love your blog Katie. Specially the artsy and crafty ones. Came across your arm knitting post one day and have started my quilt project, though at a snails pace loving every minute of it.

    April 6, 2016 at 4:38 pm Reply
  • Marcia de Hue

    Love your blog. I’m knitting stash-buster-socks atm and love the way that comes out. Will try your patterns, too.
    grtz from the Netherlands

    April 6, 2016 at 5:07 pm Reply
  • Tamara

    Love it! Knitting is a yoga time and handmadegifts are the most beautiful gifts.

    April 6, 2016 at 5:48 pm Reply
  • Kristina

    These items are beautiful! I can crochet all day but for some reason I do not get along with knitting!

    April 6, 2016 at 6:02 pm Reply
  • Leslie Eastham

    I’ve been trying to post these pictures on your Facebook but it won’t let me. I was going to change you to knit this huge bunny. Its so cute!! I instantly thought of you. It looks like a challenge!!! I’ll put them on my FB page timeline. If you find me, the pictures will be there. They are awesome!!!

    April 6, 2016 at 6:42 pm Reply
    • keithf

      If you post the link to the image in the comments on her Facebook page the photo will show up. Hope that helps.

      April 6, 2016 at 6:52 pm Reply
  • Candice

    Love your blog!! Love that you are sharing your personal ideas and thoughts with so many!!

    April 6, 2016 at 7:05 pm Reply
  • Dianne Patton

    I love to knit also. Knitting a hitchhiker scarf now. Love your blog!

    April 6, 2016 at 7:25 pm Reply
  • Michelle

    Just discovered your blog! I’m a long time knitter as well. It sooo therapuetic! I just started a shawl with a hand painted local yarn made out of Yak down and nylon.. .. Happy knitting!

    April 6, 2016 at 8:04 pm Reply
  • Rose

    My mother tried to teach me how to knit and crochet as a child but I never had the patiences for it. Lol This blog makes me want to give it a try again now that I’m older.

    April 6, 2016 at 10:55 pm Reply
  • Dwanna

    I sure hope that you are creating a knitting book of patterns.. side note I would love to model for you.

    April 7, 2016 at 12:12 am Reply
  • Gail

    I love my crochet time, it’s relaxing, my “me” time. I like to use Google to search for new projects, that or pinterest. I find the coolest ideas! Happy knitting!

    April 7, 2016 at 12:14 am Reply
  • Vicki B

    Thank you so much for sharing the patterns to your lovely knitted things.

    April 7, 2016 at 2:43 am Reply
  • Sue

    If you haven’t checked out http://www.ravelry.com yet, you need to, but be prepared to spend hours browsing. 😀
    You’re welcome. I go through cycles of knitting. I haven’t tried two colors yet (you are braver than I), but I’ve gotten into the cabling and such. Looking at a bumper crop of raspberries this year – last year the snow killed my last timers.

    Cheers from the unemployed music teacher!

    April 7, 2016 at 4:10 am Reply
  • anja

    Hi Katie! I felt intimitated and uncomfortable with dpns in the beginning too, but found using magic loop method just amazing.. You can knit in the round using circulars and without seaming …there are loads of tutorials online, maybe you should try that one out …love,anja

    April 7, 2016 at 6:52 am Reply
  • lorelei

    You are so beautiful without makeup!!! I think it is the first time I see you so fresh and natural and I love it. You look amazing! 🙂 The blog is very inspiring. Keep it going! Lots of love from Transylvania! 🙂 🙂 🙂

    April 7, 2016 at 7:12 am Reply
  • Mariella Kennedy "Chilean Hands"

    Good on you!!
    Knitting is so benfitial and it produces lovely treats for loved ones!
    All the best

    April 7, 2016 at 9:33 am Reply
  • Tina

    Knitting is an obsessive passion that keeps me focused in every day life.

    April 7, 2016 at 11:48 am Reply
  • Kaitie

    Hi Katie! I just came across your blog and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I love reading about people’s journeys through life and knitting (knitting especially). I am a yarn dyer, mintrain.etsy.com, and love seeing wooly creations!

    Kaitie

    April 7, 2016 at 11:59 am Reply
  • Kathleen

    Hi Katherine! Your knitted gifts are beautiful! I don’t like DPNs either. Have you ever tried the Magic Loop technique? It’s great for knitting in the round and no seaming! I use it all of the time. Cheers!

    April 7, 2016 at 12:21 pm Reply
  • Purl Soho

    Everything came out so beautifully! And we’re so thrilled that the cowl pattern worked out. Thank you so much for linking to these patterns. Congrats on starting the blog- we can’t wait to see what you knit up next!

    April 7, 2016 at 1:08 pm Reply
  • Ashley P

    Wow. These hand warmers look so cozy and cute. I am thinking that I may just need to take up knitting! Or, more realistically, find a friend that can knit and buy their work!

    April 7, 2016 at 3:34 pm Reply
  • Amy Singer

    Katherine,
    So nice to see you finally documenting your knitting! The online knitting world was so happy to see you knit when you were on Grey’s…it was a very timely representation of what was happening in the knitting world at the time.

    If you haven’t seen it already, we’d love to welcome you to Knitty magazine (a free online knitting magazine, established 2002) at http://knitty.com

    We have more than 13 years worth of patterns and tutorials in our Library, and all are free! We’re a professionally run magazine and all our patterns are edited for accuracy and clarity. We hope you find something in our Library that makes its way onto your needles! http://knitty.com/librarycovers.php

    April 7, 2016 at 4:58 pm Reply
  • Nat

    I love knitting, and I’m getting a lot better at it, but I still have no idea how to finish off what I’m making. Any tips?

    April 8, 2016 at 6:09 am Reply
  • Mariella Kennedy "Chilean Hands"

    Hi!! I just wanted to add something else about knitting (and crocheting)
    My husband passed away 109 days (at age 46 due to side effects of a triple transplant he had for his cystic fibrosis) ago and I couldn’t get close to my crafts for many weeks, the thought of “have fun” while grieving my husband who I adore!!! Make me feel guilty , just to discover that crocheting was helping me to get up and make him proud so o can be where he is now someday.
    Crocheting a me knitting are healing activities.
    Have a lovely day,
    Hugs from a Chilean living in Australia

    April 8, 2016 at 6:36 am Reply
  • Silvana Acebedo

    I love your post! Makes me want to knitty and knitty.

    April 8, 2016 at 11:26 am Reply
  • Venice Smith

    I’m not crazy about DPNs either, so I pretty routinely use long circulars and the magic loop method. It’s a pretty quick learn, and you’ll be so pleased to work in the round — no finishing!

    April 8, 2016 at 2:43 pm Reply
  • Jodie Cooper

    I have been wanting to try knitting as a hobby for a few months now, but every time I visit the knitting store in town to get my supplies, it’s closed! The hours are not reliable, and it doesn’t look like there is anyone in there when I go. I need to get into it eventually, though, because I’ve always wanted to learn how and I want to impress my grandmother and great-grandmother with my incredible knitting skills (lol!)

    April 9, 2016 at 9:19 pm Reply
  • Mish Thomas

    My mom is the knitter. I’ve tried and tried, and I just can’t get it. I know I can concentrate. I was a paramedic for ten years, so concentration isn’t it. I guess I’m just knot a knitter. And yes I know I used knot and knitter in the same sentence. Bada Bing Bada Boom!!!!

    April 11, 2016 at 5:04 am Reply
  • Lyudmyla Vayner /LyudmylaKnitDesigns

    OMG – how lovely! love all your work – and so excited to know that you’re also very crafty! Would love to GIFT you one of my patterns – Leave-me-Not mitts on Ravelry (from LyudmylaKnitDesigns) – will be honored if you knit these:) Best and warmest wishes – Lyudmyla. P.S.: your girls are just awesome!

    April 12, 2016 at 3:15 pm Reply
  • Louise

    love that you are a knitter…I love to knit and knit for charity..Love making blankies for the babies and hats for the homeless..
    keep showing us your projects..

    April 15, 2016 at 1:52 am Reply
  • Stephanie

    Glad to know I’m not the only one sewing in the ends of my knitting at 1 am! Purl Soho has the best projects! I can’t wait to work one of those neck warmers up. Everything looks super cozy!

    April 15, 2016 at 3:56 pm Reply
  • Patricia

    That’s hilarious! Believe it or not my family has heard me singing that “Just keep knitting” version of Dori’s song too! I love to knit, and always have several projects going at a time. Usually one big one, and a couple of small ones, to break up the monotony, and always a pair of socks. 🙂
    I love your blog, which I just found, and you have a beautiful family. You really seem like an open, loving and down to earth gal. 🙂 Thanks for opening your life and home.

    June 23, 2016 at 2:10 pm Reply
  • Melanie Shebel

    I wish I could knit like that! I always end up with looser knots and then a bunch of really tight ones. It’s hard for me to stay consistent!

    August 10, 2016 at 3:28 pm Reply
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