Spring Cowl Pattern

Just finished this lovely spring cowl. The color of this yarn immediately caught my eye and three minutes later I was buying five balls of it. (I got it for $2 a ball!)

Here's how I made it:


I used a discontinued yarn - find more info here: http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/jaeger-roma

*double the yarn
*9mm circular needles
*Cast on 117 stitches
*Knit until you've used all five balls
*Cast off using size 10mm needles

I love also love how this yarn feels. It's stretchy and soft- a shame it's discontinued.

Also, I'm wearing some temporary tattoos which I've fallen in love with.
Find the one's I'm wearing here: http://printedvillage.com

How To Avoid 'Headband Hair'

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've put on a headband, left the house, and then discovered a few hours later that my hair looks ridiculous.

You headband-wearers know what I'm talking about- when you're hair starts to scrunch up or stick out.

Well I've discovered a solution. You don't have to avoid knit headbands any longer.

1) Start off with your hair styled the way you like it

(I went with wavy) 

2) Grab some bobby pins

(4 or more)

3) On one side, grab your top layer of hair

4) Bobby pin this layer of hair down 

5) Repeat on the other side

 6) I use 2 bobby pins on each side to ensure my hair stays down

7) Grab your headband of choice

8) Carefully pull headband on, covering up the bobby pins

9) Push headband up to make sure no hair sticks up 

(If it does, remove headband and pin that hair down. You may need to bobby pin the back layer of hair down as well as the sides)

10) All done and ready to fearlessly go out in public!

Knitting Basics: How to Increase/Decrease a Stitch

Knowing how to increase or decrease will help you accomplish more tricky knitting patterns.

HOW TO INCREASE/DECREASE a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

Knitting Basics: How to Cast Off

Now that you've seen how to cast on, knit, and purl, you'll need to know how to cast off!

HOW TO CAST OFF a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

Knitting Basics: How to Purl a Row

Here's my next Knitting Basics video on purling a row!

HOW TO PURL A ROW a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

Knit Bows

It's starting to feel more like spring outside and it makes me want to knit with lovely spring colors!
Since I'm still getting settled in my new home, I've just been doing simple knitting projects like these adorable bows!

KNIT BOW TUTORIAL a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

Knitting Basics: How to Knit a Row

Now that you've seen my tutorial on casting on, you're all ready to knit a row! 

HOW TO KNIT A ROW a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

Knitting Basics: How to Cast On

Need to brush up on your knitting basics? Here is the first video of my Knitting Basics videos on How.Do

I'll be posting one a day for the next few days but if you want to watch them all now just go to my How.Do profile.

HOW TO CAST ON (KNITTING) a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

How.Do Blog Feature

I'm so excited to share my interview with How.Do! I've absolutely loved making tutorials for this app!

Here's the link: knitty-gritty-arm-knitting

Also here's my Arm-Knitting Tutorial!



ARM-KNIT INFINITY SCARF a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

Yarn Braid Tutorial on How.Do

I've recently become a part of this amazing app called How.Do. On this app you can create your own tutorials and share them with the world!

Here's my yarn braid tutorial I recently posted. If you don't have a How.Do account, then you should definitely download the app and create one!



YARN BRAID TUTORIAL a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

How to Properly Wear a Slouchy Hat

I pretty much live in slouchy hats during late fall and winter. Two questions I'm always asked are: "How are you supposed to wear slouchy hats?" and "How you do keep your slouchy hat from falling off?"

I do think I happen to have a good head for slouchy hats…and I have good posture so they stay on very well.

BUT, I do have a great trick for people who have trouble keeping their slouchy hats on. Also, these pictures should help you with knowing how to put slouchy hats on properly.

(Note: I'm not saying this is the ONLY way to wear a slouchy hat! This is just how I prefer to wear this style of hat.)

1) Hook your thumb around the rim of your slouchy hat

2) Put your hat behind your head 

3) Tilt your head back and slowly pull your slouchy hat on 

4) Pull your thumbs down the rim of the hat and pull the hat over your ears. 

5) Grab two bobby pin

6) Insert a bobby pin into each side of your head. Guide the bobby pin so it goes through the hat and your top layer of hair. Make sure to avoid snagging your hat and make sure most of the bobby pin is inside the hat.

7) Tilt head back to make sure hat is secure. 

You're all done!

If you like this slouchy hat, you can actually purchase it here: https://www.etsy.com/listing