Learn-and-Knit-Alongs

Bits of Lace, Bits of Beads and Beyond BOBBOL

A bit-sized knitting project each month packed with fun things to learn

Beyond BOBBOL carries on the tradition of learn-and-knit-a-longs for small projects while learning and practicing in bit-sized steps. If you have been avoiding learning to knit with beads or to knit lace or to try other new things because you think it is too hard, I am going to tempt you with a little project each month that involves just a few stitches.

BOBBOL 2013 Series (Bits of Beads/Bits of Lace) expanded the popular Bits of Lace 2012 Series with additional types of small lace projects and the addition of projects for building skills in beading.

Then in 2014, we went Beyond BOBBOL with  projects to refine our skills in lace and beads, and add new ones in other areas of knitting.

We are going Beyond BOBBOL again in 2015 with projects tailored to appetizer portions of unique stitches and techniques made easy with KnitHeartStrings extra hand-holding KAL’s. Even if you already know how, I think you will find the projects fun (and who knows, you might even pick up a tip or trick along the way).

Each month’s KAL project will be selected with a focus on building skills in bit-sized steps. Some projects will be lace and some not. Some will be beads and some not. Some will go beyond lace and beads to try new things in other areas. There will be something for everyone. As a KAL participant, you’ll also be automatically entered for the monthly Prize Drawings.

Current KAL: Americana Placemat

Americana PlacematKnit a bit of fictional history with this 39-star placemat size version of a red, white and blue flag. The lacy feather and fan stripes symbolize the flag waving in the breeze. The 5-pointed stars are created with a nifty combination of knit stitch and simple embroidery.

Get the Americana Placemat pattern with your membership discount HERE.

Sneak Peek for an Upcoming KAL: Lacy Fleur de Lis

beaded lace fleur de lis

The fleur-de-lis is often associated with areas formerly settled by France, such as Louisiana where I live. The French translation of fleur de lis is lily flower. The commonly occurring decorative and symbolic representations of the fleur-de-lis are stylized designs of either a lily or iris.

The fleur-de-lis knitted motif shown here is featured in our next KAL. Knit a scarf in your choice of color — perhaps purple for an iris? or white for a lily? Beads are optionally added using the crochet hook method for as-you-go placement as shown or your choice.

Time-limited Offer for Paid Plans Members

As part of the benefits of paid level plans, the featured monthly KAL pattern is available to KnitHeartStrings Basic Level and Premium Level members as a FREE DOWNLOAD for a limited time during the KAL in the Knit-A-Longs area of the site.

Note to Premium level members: Check the Premium Area for your coupon code to deliver the featured KAL pattern free to your Ravelry library. Early access begins prior to the KAL opening date for other members, so be sure to check the Premium Area for new specials and bonuses often.

Time-limited Offer for Free Limited Content Members

Limited Content Level members get free access to all tutorials, tips & techniques articles. As a thank you for participating in the KAL, you also get a DISCOUNT off the featured monthly KAL pattern. Note: Discount period and offers vary so please see details with dates announced for each KAL.

For even more savings and extra benefits, consider upgrading to a Basic or Premium paid plan.

Previous KAL’s

If you missed previous knit-alongs, you can still take advantage of extra bonus FREE tutorials, tips & techniques articles in the blog archives at KnitHeartStrings.

Inviting you to knit along, learn along, and enjoy the making,

signature

p.s. If you are a new member and have not yet confirmed your newsletter invitation, be sure to do that so you do not get disconnected/removed from the system and can no longer access this site for members-only content. More info at The Key to Keeping Your Free Membership Active.

117 Responses to Learn-and-Knit-Alongs

  1. Pingback: March Giveaway at KnitHeartStrings | Taking Time to Smell the Roses

  2. Pingback: Preview of October KAL pattern | Knit HeartStrings || BOBBOL 2013 Monthly KAL's

  3. Sylvia says:

    I am on the website but can’t find a spot to download the pattern for “bells on my Toes Mini Sock” can anyone help me. I have never done a christmas sock before and am looking forward to doing one.
    Thank You

    • jackiees says:

      Sorry. It looks like I never updated this page with the new pattern page link. I’ll get that done as soon as possible. If I should ever forget in the future, just look at the submenus under the Free Area section, and click on the pattern name for the month.

  4. Mary S says:

    How many more parts are there for the preemie hat?
    I am going to be without my computer for awhile & don’t want to miss any.
    Thanks

  5. Katie says:

    Though I see the December pattern on this page, the link seems to still point to the November pattern. Where can I get the cute bitty shawl pattern free for this month? Thanks! -Katie

    • jackiees says:

      Thanks for letting me know about the link. I was wondering how people were still being able to get to the November pattern page, lol. Anyway, the link has been corrected now.

  6. Pingback: Knitted Ribbons | Knit HeartStrings

  7. Deborah says:

    Jackie – Can the edging for the new September pattern “Lace-edged Doily” be used as a straight border or must it be circular? I’m thinking of a guest hand-towel with this particular lace edging.

  8. Charlene says:

    Never mind Jackie, Just realized I somehow asked for a new password twice and was trying to use the first one. The second worked right away.

    Charlene

  9. lkepstein says:

    Thanks again Jackie for having this membership area and sharing these wonderful patterns. Can’t wait to get started on yet another beautiful project.

  10. Anne Stoddard says:

    Jackie; This lace edged doily has come at an opportune time. I am re-decorating my bedroom and have been looking for a special doily for under a new glass vase. Thank you so much for this, I so enjoy knitting edgings and will also use it for edging my hand towels for the bathroom (and maybe even have time to make some Holiday Presents).

  11. Pingback: Slight Change to September Schedule for Lace-edged Doily | Knit HeartStrings

  12. Mary says:

    I think I’m going to work on my lace skills and enter one of these projects in the County Fair next year. Sure to be a Blue Ribbon!!!

  13. Suzanne says:

    I can’t wait to try this pattern. πŸ™‚

  14. Wandasue52 says:

    Why is logging in so complicated? I have a problem EACH time I try to log back in.

    Thanks,
    Wandasue52

  15. Pingback: Knitting for Christmas in July | Taking Time to Smell the Roses

  16. Mary Mauz says:

    I just started the ornament because I was working on the anklets and hadn’t finished in time. The bead adding is no problem so far and it the knitting part works up quickly.
    Over all, I am enjoying the various projects and looking forward to the rest of the year.
    Thanks again for your hard work.

  17. Julia says:

    I love the lace on the ball. My neighbor that had twin girls loved the feather and fan baby blankets I knitted for them.

  18. Barbara @ the Jersey Shore says:

    Hello!
    I am new to this site and have just printed the lovely Antique Lace Ornament. Thank you so much! I have seen some of the other patterns offered for other months. How can I obtain these?

    Thanks so much!
    Barbara πŸ™‚

    • jackiees says:

      Patterns for past months’ projects are available for sale at Ravelry and Shopatron.

      • angela blask says:

        i just read your ‘offer’ of having these ornaments in a kit!
        I THINK THAT IS AN AWESOME IDEA! was also wondering if you could do it in Christmas colors?! the gold is beautiful, but if doing for a gift, some people would prefer the more
        traditional colors; red, green, gold, etc… I was wondering
        also about the pins … trying to figure out WHERE to get them
        if i didn’t use glass.

        you are reading my mind! I am also, very much enjoying this
        Bits of Lace! sharpening my skills.

        Thanks,
        knuttyknitter

  19. Andrea Brush says:

    Hi,

    It is June 30th and I am unable to download June’s pattern. I thought is was available through today. Was I wrong?’

    • jackiees says:

      Yes, the June pattern is still available today, June 30th. But you need to click the link to get it. Do you see where it says “Grab this month’s free pdf download pattern for Summer Lace Anklets now”?

  20. Carol says:

    Jackie, I can never log into this bits of lace website without a password problem.
    Color me frustrated .I had new one mailed to me just now, and it doesn’t work either.
    Carol

    • jackiees says:

      I have to be logged in to even read your comment. I am not sure why you are saying the password does not work, since it appears that you were logged in when you wrote this comment?

      If using a system-generated password rather than one you manually set, I suggest you copy and paste in system-generated passwords. System-generated passwords usually have special characters that sometimes do not translate correctly from your keyboard when typed.

  21. momtat92 says:

    I’ve picked up some lovely Rowan cotton yarn to make the socks with. I’ve started them and hope to have them completed soon πŸ™‚

  22. Pingback: cable-and-lace edging split cuff Summer Lace Anklets | Knit HeartStrings

  23. Mary Mauz says:

    I finished the lace bookmark and am happy with the result – despite the fact that I used a 10/2 bamboo which got quite fuzzy and was really too soft for a truly usable bookmark. I have a picture but don’t use social media so can’t post it.
    I’m enjoying the small projects while learning lace techniques.

  24. Linda says:

    this is a lovely pattern and small project just what I like!
    I’m not new to lace but the cables are. It will be good practice for both and I’ll have a nice item when done. I’m flying soon and might be a good time to start this project. no distractions.

  25. Pingback: Lace Cable Bookmark and a chance to learn to use charts (if you want to) | Knit HeartStrings

  26. Janna says:

    Thank you Jackie for always giving us such beautiful lace projects to knit. You look so relaxed in those pretty blue lace socks!!

  27. Nancy says:

    Yikes! I was quite ill and missed the bookmark pattern. Is there a way to get it? I would really like to make some for gifts. Thank you! Nancy

    • jackiees says:

      I’m sorry to hear that you were ill, but hope you are fully recovered now. Monthly project patterns in the free membership area are replaced when they expire each month with a new pattern. We are planning to offer a Premium Membership option (for a small fee) later in the year so that we can keep more of the project patterns, tips and tutorials available for a longer period of time to premium members. So check back then. Meantime, I hope you will enjoy what is currently available. Does this answer your question? Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

  28. Suzette says:

    Love the eyelet sachet bag and have knitted quite a few! I am enjoying this lace tutorial series.
    Looking forward to the next project.

    Thank you
    Suzette.

  29. marie stanley says:

    i LOVE that the little bag begins with the lace and works down to the bag !! It will be a great project for using up sock yarns !

    thank you a big sack full !!

    __M__

  30. handmadebysue says:

    I love the eyelet sachet bags. What a wonderful Mothers’ Day gift! I am enjoying this lace tutorial series. Thank you

  31. So I’ve changed my password and it still won’t work when I try to log into the sachet bag pattern…Says my password is wrong. Something wrong with your site I do believe.
    Help.

    • jackiees says:

      When you register, you supply the password you want to use. You do not need to change it later unless you want to. The password is case sensitive. If you have now asked the system to reset your password to a system-generated password, copy and paste the weird-looking password it sent to your email address. I do not suggest trying to type it in, because different keyboards will translate the special characters differently. Since you say you’ve done multiple password resets, be sure to do the copy and paste on the most recent password emailed to you by the system. Be careful not to copy any leading or trailing spaces from your email. Just the password characters themselves. After you login with the system-generated password, I suggest you go to the Edit Profile page, and change to a simpler password that you can type and remember. You can email me at jackie@heartstringsfiberarts.com with your email address and user name if you’d like me to manually reset your password for you to a simple one you can type and remember.

  32. marie stanley says:

    I can’t log in as i no longer remember my user name or password; by son in law gave me a newer computer which is faster and stronger but also that wiped all my log in info.
    can you help with that ? i don’t want to re-register with another email and clutter up your site.

    marie stanley

  33. Pingback: Three Eyelets Sachet :: little lace-edged knitted pouch | Knit HeartStrings

  34. Susan Havens says:

    Thank you for your help, Jackie! I was ableto get in finally!

  35. JaanL says:

    I have always been afraid to do knitted laces. But, when you started “Bits of Lace”, I knew I really had to give it a try. AND the best part is I can actually do it. Your instructions really make it easy. Even trying to convince my Sis-I-L to give it a try as she is a crocheter. Thanks a million, and I can’t wait to start the newest lace project.

  36. Julia Mason says:

    This Lacebug Bookmark will look great sewed to a baby onesie. But I have to finish knitting the baby blankets first.

  37. laura says:

    Thank you so very much for providing us with such a great opportunity. I am still steuggling a bit, but know, that with your helpful hints and instructions, I will get it. Laura

  38. mom7plus says:

    HI Jackie!
    Thank you so much for the help the other day. I am LOVING IT!!

    I started with size10 crochet thread (in bamboo), but it was too dainty for a sized 12-18mo. old’s sock. I have knit it in Paton’s Grace thread on size 2 needles. Now I think it is too chunky for the sock, although I LOVE it!! I’ll do some tweaking/experimenting and see what I end up with.

    A question though: HOW do I attach it to the sock? Is there a tutorial somewhere I missed? (Yes, I am THAT new to all this. BUT….I am imagining all kinds of ways to put lace on things!!)

    Thank you, thank you for this! I’m HOOKED!! πŸ™‚
    -Carol

  39. Laurel Robbins says:

    This knitted lace is just lovely -thank you, Jackie!

  40. Mary Mauz says:

    I finished one piece of lace and working on the second but am busy on ranch things so not making much headway. I have a scanned image but don’t know how to attach it.
    It will make a nice gift for a grand niece when finished.
    Thanks for the pattern.

    • jackiees says:

      Thanks Mary for sharing a look at your lace edging. Nice and dainty, and love that red color. πŸ™‚

      There is not a way for you or other members to directly post a picture here at the membership site (at least that I can figure out). But you can always post pictures at the Facebook page for our group. Knitting Bits Of Lace
      http://www.facebook.com/KnittingBitsOfLace

      If you are not on Facebook and would like me to post your picture there or here for you, I’ll be happy to do that. Just send it along to me in an email and I will take care of it as soon as possible.

      Thank you for sharing!

  41. Julia Mason says:

    I just found today that my neighbor across the street from us is having twin girls later this summer. So I guess I will get some pink and white yarn to make a baby blanket and use the lace edging on the blanket. I have been waiting to start till I could get some crochet thread. Last paycheck was only half the normal amount to several days off from school due to holidays and teacher workdays.

  42. Ellie says:

    I’ve been putting off knitting lace for years now. I’ve decided to take the plunge this year. Thank you for this lovely opportunity.

  43. Anne says:

    Lovely little pattern, thank you πŸ™‚

  44. Janet says:

    This is very cute, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if MOI winds up being the baby.

    Janet

  45. Knittat says:

    How is a half hitch cast on done, please? Thank you from anyone who can help. Is it known by another name?

  46. memto10 says:

    Oh Jackie, I am so looking forward to knitting this lace. I have always been afraid to tackle lace but your instructions seem so straightforward. Love the new site. Thanks again!! From NC

  47. Rheba Rozeboom says:

    Have to thank Peg for posting about your website…..I’m new to lace knitting and this sounds like a good place to learn more!

  48. pam says:

    I haven’t done much in the way of lace knitting, so am looking forward to your series. Thanks for doing this!

  49. Katherine says:

    Hi:
    I am having difficulty with line 6. By the time I complete 4 repeats of the bind off ( sl 1 k1 psso) I don’t have enough stitches to complete the row. Am I doing this right? Well apparently I am not doing something right. Any suggestions?
    Katherine

    • Bonnie says:

      Row 6: sl 1 wyib, (k1, pass slipped st over to bind off) 4 times, k3, yo, p2tog. (6 sts)

      Katherine, the repeat is only what is in parenthesis (k1, psso). Do not slip 1, except at the beginning of the row. Hope this helps!

      Bonnie

Click here to cancel reply.

Please Login to post a comment