ok, so, i have been kicking around the idea of buying a pattern keeper for awhile now. however, i have not been blown away by the design selection. i wanted something a little more unique. also, i figured, this is something anyone can make (even me). so, i decided to buy a kindle case ($6.00), self adhesive magnetic sheets ($2.99) and magnetic strips ($1.99). voila. my very own pattern keeper.

i thought that it was a clever idea. also, there are so many cool designer cases that you can buy. you can use any ereader case that you want. i used the kindle sized case because that is what i thought i could carry around easily. using these cases, gives a knitter more options than just a plain black case. here is how i did it.

step 1 cut out anything in the case that is not needed. i had to cut out the bit that holds the kindle in place. i used small sharp scissors to do this.

step 2 cut the self adhesive magnetic sheet to fit in the case.

step 3 i purchased knitpicks’s magnetic strips for their pattern keeper because it was cheaper than buying an entire roll of magnetic strips. however, you can buy a roll of magnetic strips and cut the strips to your desired size.

Step 4 peel off the back of the self adhesive backing and stick it to the case. you are done and ready to use your pattern keeper to knit your next project.

if you fair isle or intarsia knit, you will need to know how to make butterfly bobbins. you can use a plastic yarn bobbin instead but this is so easy (and cheaper too!).  once you have made one, you will be set. It is like riding a bike. Now, you might be wondering why this is a helpful skill. well, if you have ever tried to knit with different colored balls of yarn before, you have probably at one time or another thought the following, “there must be a way to avoid all of this crossing, unwinding and tangling while I am knitting!!! arggh!”

this is the solution.

Step 1 place end of the yarn in the palm of your hand.

Step 2 hold the yarn down in the palm of your hand using your index finger and pinkie finger.

Step 3 wrap the yarn behind your pointer finger and middle finger (once) and immediately begin winding the yarn around these two fingers in a figure eight motion.

Step 4 once you have the desired amount of yarn wound, bring the yarn around the outside of your pointer finger and around your thumb. you will now bring the yarn over, in between and under the yarn wound around your pointer and middle finger. the idea here is to capture in the middle all of the yarn you have wound around these two fingers. the next step is a bit funky but is actually very simple. as you are bringing the yarn underneath, you will also bring it underneath the yarn you are holding with your ring finger and pinkie finger. you will also bring it underneath and over the loop around the thumb.

Step 5 once you have done this, you will bring the yarn for the second time over, between and under the yarn wound around your index and middle finger. again, you will bring it underneath the yarn you are holding with your ring finger and pinkie finger. BUT, this time you will not bring it over the loop around the thumb. you will instead bring it right through the middle of the loop around the thumb.

Step 6 drop the loop around the thumb.

Step 7 pull the end of the yarn so you have cinched the middle of your butterfly.

Step 8 tighten the knot (not too tight) and remove from your fingers.

Step 9 you will need a wine cork, one needle and all of the butterflies in the fancy pants colors you will be working in. you should slide the needle through the middle section of your butterfly bobbins. i place a knot on the end to let me know which end of the yarn not to pull on. tip: you should only pull on the end that was originally being held down in your palm by your index and pinkie finger.

voila! depending on the length of the needle you are using, you should be able to fit as many butterfly bobbins as you need on your new holder. you don’t have to worry about the yarn crossing, unwinding or getting tangled. you are now officially able to rock out on your multi-color knit projects.