August’s project in the BOBBOL 2013 Series
BOBBOL 2013 is the nickname for Bits of Beads/Bits of Lace, and expands the popular Bits of Lace 2012 Series with additional types of small lace projects and the addition of projects for building skills in beading.
Are you a cat lover (or know someone who is)? Kitty In Your Lap Towel features a friendly feline friend. Make this useful, practical item for yourself or someone deserving a bit of kitty love.
Crafty knitters, spinners and crocheters all know the value of using a towel in your lap to provide protection from stray fibers as well as give contrast/lighting for better visibility of stitches or drafting zone.
This project is knitted with heavy worsted weight yarn, proving that not all lace needs to be knit on tiny needles with teensy yarn.
If you missed the knit-along for Kitty In Your Lap Towel, you can purchase the pattern now while still taking advantage of the free instructions for 2 additional bonus versions (a square lap cloth or pillow top AND a spa cloth) plus tutorials, tips & techniques.
Knit, learn, and enjoy the making!
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I made this using Red Heart Super Saver, pale yellow. My sister is using it for a cover where the cat sleeps on the top of the sofa. There is a picture on Ravelry (without the cat) http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lynmcc/kitty-lap-towel. Now I will try the smaller version using softer yarn.
Lovely. The soft yellow looks good with this.
And welcome to Ravelry. Thank you for posting the picture to your project page there. BTW, there is a way you can link to the pattern on Ravelry, too. Just click the pencil to edit your project page, and on the Pattern Name line, enter Kitty In Your Lap Towel. That helps other people know where they can get the pattern if they’d like to knit this. Thanks!
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Just finished – such a pretty towel! Thank you for the pattern. Here’s the picture: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/surwiler/kitty-in-your-lap-towel
Wonderful!
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My last post should have read my problem row is row 7 not row 8. I did look at the chart and I still can’t figure it out. Thank you again for any help.
Hi Charlene!
I too had the same issue – the yo between the two k1tbl’s should be K1. You probably already figured this out though!
Ellen
Some additional clarification: That would be between both sets of K1tbl’s – the one at the beginning of the row and the one at the end of the row! So the corrected row would be: sl1 wyif, k6, k1tbl, K1, k1tbl, k to 10 sts from end of row, k1tbl, K1, k1tbl, k7.
Make sure you are working from version B11-3212 of the pattern, or read the corrections that were posted here a couple of weeks ago: http://www.knitheartstrings.com/bitsoflace/oops-corrected-pattern.php
Hi Jackie!
Yes, the corrected pattern still has that one error in it.
Thank you Ellen, I will re-upload as soon as possible.
(the pattern has been re-uploaded now: B11-3228)
Hi Charlene,
The chart is correct.
There was a typo in the corresponding written instructions. Make sure you are working from version B11-3212 of the pattern, or read the corrections that were posted here a couple of weeks ago: http://www.knitheartstrings.com/bitsoflace/oops-corrected-pattern.php
Are you ok to go now?
Thanks for this great pattern Jackie. I’m having an issue with Row 8 of the “Plain Area?” The pattern says to k to 10 sts from end then k1tbl, yo, k1tbl, k7. I’m ending up with 8 stitches and not sure how to correct it. Can you help?
Thanks so much for the pattern. I will have to look through my stash for light colored yarn! And I never knew about the trick of using a light colored lap towel. I am working in black alpaca fingering right now (natural color) in a lace pattern. 35 stitch repeats — shoot me now! — but it will look lovely when it’s blocked and done and I will be glad I made it. Something like this towel would come in handy.
I concur re the comment on Google Chrome — it warns you that all downloads can harm your computer. If I know I’m downloading from a safe source (like Jackie) I just choose to download it anyway. This is a helpful warning in that it gets us to think about what we are downloading and where we are downloading it from, but it can look pretty scary the first time. I use Google Chrome most of the time.
Jackie, Thanks for an adorable pattern. I’ve just come home from surgery and a 3 day stay so this will be a delightful, relaxing project along with starting the Christmas gifts.
I’ve been knitting and crocheting for babies for some time now. Give the finished items to local hospitals. This is a small item and I think it will be adorable as a premmie blanket.
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This is a great pattern. I have some friends for whom I will be making this as a holiday gift. I also just got a new 6-week old adorable kitten and may have to make a Kitty-in-your-lap towel for myself, as well. I understand this pattern calls for a heavy worsted or aran weight yarn, but what material do you suggest – I’ m thinking depending upon the intended use a cotton or cotton blend would be nice. Any thoughts?
You are absolutely right that your choice of fiber will depend on the intended use. If using as a towel, anything that will absorb moisture and is washable/dryable will work fine (cotton would fall into that category) as well as most cotton-blends (depending on what the blend is). If using just as a lap cloth, the need to absorb moisture (such as drying with a towel) would not be as critical.
I have had cats my whole life, and I’ve been knitting even longer than that! I love this pattern. I am in an organization that I will be head of in a few years, and one of my “fun symbols” is the CAT. I think I might knit these up for officers gifts. Thanks for the great idea……….
Hi Jackie,
Another great pattern – already started it! I have been following the written instructions and I may have bumped into a small error: Row 7 of the ‘Kitty Area’. There is a YO between the first K1TBL’s and I believe it should be a K1 (the chart indicates a K1). I am enjoying the larger needles for this lace project and even had stash yarn that is perfect. Thanks so much for being so generous with your patterns and knowledge!
Ellen
Hi Jackie,
Replying to my own e-mail! I did not see the side column article where you have made all the corrections! Thanks so much again!
Ellen
Thanks for this pattern ! I’m a crazy cat lady with 3 cats. I never knew about the trick of using a towel on your lap to help see the stitches in dark yarn.
What a darling pattern, especially the kitty motif. I’m going to print it out and play with it, for based on the project, I want to use this kitty in different projects.
I think my kitties, Samson and Champagne, would like these mats to lie on.
Thanks Jackie!
Oh Jackie, I cannot tell you how useful this will be. My sweet Tux loves to come over and sit in my lap for loving every evening (we won’t talk about the fact I need to put my knitting aside for this, no matter if I’m in the middle of a row or not). He sprawls out, full length, head on my knees, belly up and I do what I’m supposed to – rub his chin, throat and chest and feel his entire body vibrate with purrs of pleasure.
The only problem? Tux likes it better when my legs are covered; this hot summer with my wearing shorts has been a trial for him. I shall knit this lap rug twice — once in a light color for MY use in knitting and once in something like teal so that Tux’ classic Tuxedo suit will show off well during his evening adoration period. Sure a towel would work as well for him, but this will be another way to show my love.
Thanks so much!
Love this cat! I made the Kilimanjaro Kat Shawl years ago, and have used the motif several times. Maybe my spinning group will get these for Christmas!?!
I have made about 15 lacy yarn bags for friends – have yet to get a picture. Am working on one in perle cotton right now for a Victorian sachet idea I have.
Thanks, Jackie! I have always enjoyed your patterns and love this feature.
Leslie, That’s so sweet. 🙂
I have a couple of people who love cats and this would be a great suprise for those special people. thank you for the pattern.
Jackie, thank you for this pattern. I just learned that when knitting with
black yarn a white towel on you lap is a great way to see the stitches.
(I’m knitting a black shawl (or will soon).
Pauline
PS: I had no problem getting the pattern.Thank you again for all
your designs and help.
This pattern will be absolutely perfect for my little grand-daughter as she just adores kittens & cats. Many Thanks
tHANK YOU FOR SUCH A LOVELY PATTERN.
Thank YOU !! Yes, we all know cat people and just today i found a stash of white cloth cotton I’d forgotten I had. yay….
Love the pattern, thank you!
When I tried to download the pattern using Google Chrome I got a message “This type of file can harm your computer” so I’m sorry to say I couldn’t get the pattern which is adorable.
Sorry you had problems getting the pattern. Maybe try a different web browser? Or reboot your computer? (I do provide patterns in hires, so it’s possible that our computer might have been running low on available memory).
Sharon,
Just so you know, Google Chrome will display the warning for ALL .pdf files (in fact, it will do so for most, possibly all downloads). It’s the nature of the browser–you can find out more about this by googling the warning message and the word “Chrome.” If it’s making you crazy, use another browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer; Safari if you’re on a Mac). Hope this helps.
Jackie,
Thank you SO much for another adorable pattern!
Thanks a million. I’ve been waiting and waiting. This will be perfect for my “Crazy Cat Lady” sister.
Sounds like this will be perfect for your sister! Enjoy the knitting and giving.