F.O. Log Cabin Tea Cozy by Woolercoaster!

Karen Templer''s Fringe and Friends Log Cabin Make-along introduced me to the log cabin technique of knitting.  Karen took this technique and created her own design called Log Cabin Mitts.  This inspired me to create something that I have wanted to knit for a long time.

One of the simple pleasures I enjoy is drinking a pot of tea and knitting.  I slowly drink my way through the pot, however, I find my tea gets cold too quickly.  I have been looking for a tea cozy pattern to fit my teapot, and keep my tea warm longer.  When I learned how to knit a log cabin square I thought it would be the perfect technique to create my own tea cozy.

After playing around with different yarn, needle sizes, and combinations I came up with my own version.  Let me introduce you to my Log Cabin Tea Cozy:

I have never created my own pattern before, and I have to admit that I am very happy with the way it turned out.

Here is my first attempt on 5.0mm needles:  

First Attempt

I knew that I wanted to use a 100% wool to keep the heat in.  I chose two colourways of Cestari Traditional Yarn (colourways:  Natural White and Light Gray/Medium Gray Tweed) and Quince & Co. Osprey yarn (colourway:  Shell).  Both yarns are aran weight and create a nice thick fabric.  I used three colours for each square.  However, the tea cozy was too big as it was knit on too loose a gauge.  To keep the heat in a much tighter gauge was essential.

When creating my second version I played around with different needle sizes and colour combinations, until I came up with a much tighter knit fabric.  Here are the details:


Pattern:  Log Cabin Tea Pot Cozy

Designer:  Me! Plus I used Karen Templer's directions on how to make a Log Cabin square found in her Log Cabin Mitts pattern.

Yarn:  Cestari Traditional Collection (100 % wool)
Colourway: Light Gray/Medium Gray Tweed & Natural Medium Gray (for the top)

Cestari Traditional Yarn

Yarn:  Quince & Co. Osprey (100% wool)  
Colourway:  Pomegranate

Quince & Co. Osprey

Needles: 4.0mm

Ravelry: see my notes

Added Notes:

1.  In my second attempt I tried to achieve a more modern look by keeping the center square as the pop of colour.  Then I used the same tweedy colour for the remaining portions of the log cabin square.  The choice of a tweedy yarn was helpful as it hid any imperfections when I seamed the squares together.  I used Very Pink knits tutorial on Learn How to Knit a Log Cabin Blanket to learn how to seam the squares together neatly. Go to 28:07 for the part of the video on seaming. 

Seaming the squares together

2.  After joining the squares I picked up stitches and created a top for the tea cozy by knitting in the round.  I finished off with an i-cord.  The result is a tea cozy that slips on my tea pot easily.

Knitting in the round

Decreasing stitches

Finished with an i-cord

Next Steps:  I would like to reknit this tea cozy again playing with the colours in the squares.  There are so many fun variations that could be created.

So thank you Karen Templer for introducing me to the Log Cabin technique and inspiring me to create my first design.

I am off to make a pot of tea and get out my knitting.  Hope you're having a good weekend.

p.s. I have a large La Creuset teapot 

F.O. Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templer

When Karen Templer of Fringe Association announced that she, together with Mason-Dixon Knitting, were jointly hosting a knitalong based on the Log Cabin method of knitting, it caught my attention.  She challenged the participants to create anything they wanted using this knitting method.  I have never knit a log cabin construction before, and I was intrigued to see what people would create with such an open-ended challenge. Many gorgeous projects have been created since the Logalong began on January 1st.  My absolute favourite project is here (by The Perwinkle Sheep).

However, I was content to stand by and watch my Instagram feed until Karen Templer finished designing her Log Cabin Mitts and generously shared the pattern for free!   As soon as I saw her mitts, I knew I had to join in the fun, and knit my own pair.

Ta-dah!

Pattern:   Log Cabin Mitts

Designer:  Karen Templer

Left to Right:  Hektos, Shelter, WATERshed

Yarn:  Brooklyn Tweed Shelter 100% Targhee Columbia
Colourway:  Plume

Yarn:  Harrisville Designs WATERshed  (100% wool)
Colourway:  Slate

Yarn:  Julie Asselin Hektos (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk)
Colourway:  Plume

Needles: 4.0mm

Ravelry:  my notes

Added Notes:  
I can't express to you how much I enjoyed knitting these mitts.  From choosing my yarn, to gaining a clear understanding of how a log cabin construction is knit,  I was thoroughly entertained.  Karen's pattern was very easy to follow, and pictures were provided in case of any confusion.  I was also impressed with the unique way in which Karen turned the square into a well fitting mitt.  Here are a few photos to help illustrate the steps.

First Seven Patches

Nine Patches (before blocking)

After blocking all the ends are sewn in

With right sides facing the wrist stitches are joined

The thumb gusset is knit

This is the perfect pattern to use up worsted weight scraps and the colour combinations are endless.  Since this was my first time knitting a Log Cabin pattern I followed the colour order suggested by Karen.  The only difference with my mitts was that my square blocked out to 7.5 inches, instead of the suggested 7 inches.  However, I am very happy with the fit. 

Front view

Rear View 

After completing my mitts I fully confess that I am hooked on knitting log cabins.  The number of possibilities are endless, and these mitts are a good way of showcasing that. 

If you would like to check out what people are creating you can follow along on Instagram with the hashtag #fringeandfriendslogalong  

You still have time to join in, as the Logalong doesn't end until the end of February.  I think I am going to challenge myself to create my own pattern using the log cabin...I will report back soon!