Tool Belt for +he WriSt
If you have to make a swatch anyway, you can turn it into a useful tool - a "tool belt" bracelet that holds the knitting tools you most frequently need to get at. Or if you're swatchless, you can knit this up in no time flat. Make it in any stitch pattern and any width you like. I chose to put a button and buttonhole on mine so it would fit snugly; but if you prefer, you can cast on provisionally and graft the bracelet together at the end. In that case, you'll want to knit it lenghwise in a stretchy pattern (2x2 rib works well for this) so you can fit it over your hand and onto yourwrist.
Materials: Lily yarn - tiny amount #4 U.S. needle Abbreviations: sl = slip pw = purlwise yif = yarn in front Directions: (This pattern creates a slipped-stitch selvedge at each end for neatness - not absolutely necessary; if you prefer, just do a 2x2 rib across on all rows) Cast on 8 stitches Rows 1-3) sl1 pw yif, k1, p2, k2, p1, k1 Row 4 (buttonhole): sl1 pw yif, k1, p1, bind off 2 stitches, k1, p1, k1 Remaining rows: sl1 pw yif, k1, p2, k2, p1, k1 Bind off, weave in ends, attach button to end opposite the buttonhole, and you're good to go! Judy Vallas 2011 (jvallas on Ravelry) The version below was done using “faux cables," which I explain in my Ravelry project here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jvallas/faux-cables-sample-pieces
Before adding the tools
All neat and tidy with your most-used tools ready to go --
This is how mine ends up looking usually - neatness goes out the window
Judy Vallas 2011 (jvallas on Ravelry)
