Little Sew-Bows. Necklace and Hair Pin

So, it is December now, and Christmas is coming up on us fast. Which means that there's a lot of cool Christmas-like patterns to scope out!

This year, I'm making all of my gifts, since I don't have the money to purchase any, and I've been feverishly looking through patterns and tutorials to get ideas for fun stuff for my family and friends. It's so cool to see what people have thought up, and it's fun to tweak their ideas with tidbits from my imagination!

Anyway, I saw the tutorial for these bows on Becca's Ladyface Blog, and I just knew that I had to start making like... tons of these little guys. There's so much potential!

To make the bows themselves, I pretty much followed her tutorial to a T, so check out her site if you want to learn how to make them. For the orange Christmas bow, I just stuck a bobby pin through the back, just like she did. 

For the green necklace, I played around a little more. I just sewed some jump rings to either edge, going underneath the bow's middle to hide the thread. Then I made a little string of matching beads on straight posts (normally used for earrings), and hooked everything up. The whole thing took maybe a half hour of work time. Longer because I played around with my bead colours a lot!

These are fantastic crafts for pretty much any season -- especially because crafts stores that sell fabric often have seasonal samples. I love to get the little 4-packs of seasonal fabrics and play with those! The range of fabric types can be played with, too! From flannel to satins to leathers, if you can sew it, you can use it!

One thing I would recommend is to be conscious of your fabric type when sewing these. Sure, the thin quilting fabrics used here will make a bow of nice size, but if you follow the tutorial for a thicker fabric without adjusting the amount of fabric you use, you could end up with a thick tiny bow that is hard to do anything with. 

That said, adjusting your measurements will make bows of every size! Play around with it!

I decided to model this one, but the lighting is poor because it's in the living room...

What will you use your bows for? Let me know below! 

The Half-Hour Steampunk Bracelet

Hi everyone! I've been busy, tinkering and toying around. I have been meaning to post the pattern for the beret I just made for the coming winter, but I haven't been around my computer much!
Today, I finally got my hands on my very first roll of Washi tape. And it was a steampunk one, with cogs all over. Yaaay!
That said, I really love steampunk stuff. Cogs, machinery in general, browns, brass, and the fashion. Oh, the fashion. I could go on.
But I'm also poor. Like, really too poor to be very steampunky. So I try to add some notes to my wardrobe that have that motif. My latest venture was this bracelet.
Really, it takes about five minutes to make, but then I let the super glue set for about twenty-five, hence the "Half-Hour" notation. But it's super quick, super easy, and is the perfect last minute addition to an outfit, steampunk or not.

Materials:
1 wide bracelet of your choice. I used a plain pleather bracelet I had use for something else that unfortunately (or fortunately!) come apart.
Washi tape
Charms, beads, or other notions. My local JoAnns had these cogs by Blue Moon in the jewelry notions section.
Super glue
Xacto knife, or other sharp tool.

Directions:
Lay a strip of Washi tape on bracelet, trying to make sure an equal amount of space is left between the tape and bracelet edge on both sides, all the way down. Cut excess corners of tape.
Secure tape by rubbing out any bubbles or imperfections.
Arrange notions on bracelet as you want them to appear, and when you have the pattern just right, carefully use super glue to attach them to the bracelet.
Lay weights (or something heavy) onto notions and all them to set for about 25 minutes or longer, if desired.
Using Xacto knife, cut out holes of bracelet through the Washi tape.
Cut excess length of bracelet, if desired.
Wear with something fabulous.

Notes:
My middle charm is actually two cogs layered together using super glue. I really like how it adds a little extra oommph! to the bracelet!
My bracelet was already die-cut and ready to wear when I purchased it, so I didn't have to use any intense hardware. This is part of what makes it a super simple project -- I didn't have to punch the holes or anything!
A lot can be done thematically with this type of bracelet. You can also get some scrapbooking notions (the kind that aren't stickers) and add those to a bracelet like this.
Beads could also be used with a bracelet like this. You could string them on pins or embroidery floss and punch them through the bracelet. Really, the possibilities are endless to turn a simple and plain bracelet into something uniquely you!

Thanks for reading! I hope this super easy "pattern" has given you some fun ideas for making your own bracelet at home!
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.
Don't forget to subscribe to this blog if you want to keep up to date on the fun crafts I'm working on!

Photo Frame Revamp: Home Decoration Made Cheaper

This Thursday, I had a rather harrowing experience that resulted in me having to go to the emergency clinic. The day prior, I had noticed that I was feeling very ill at work -- dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing, and most scarily... intermittent warmth in my left calf. After doing some research, I discovered that these could be symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis. Since I have been on birth control since the age of thirteen or so for my polycystic ovarian syndrome, a DVT is something I've always been taught to keep an eye out for. When I felt these symptoms for two days (and with some heartfelt insistence from my dearest mum), I decided to go to hospital and get it checked out.
We stayed in the room for while watching television, before the attending came to examine me. Thankfully, he determined that I didn't exhibit any of the most telling signs of DVT, like redness and tenderness. He also determined my symptoms were not from an infection. Instead, I was diagnosed with intense muscle strain, and gave me a prescription for 800mg ibuprofen three times per day. He also ordered me to stay off my leg as much as possible for 48 hours. I cheated, because I had to work yesterday, but today, I've tried to rest as much as possible. To keep from going insane, I've been crafting.

Without further ado, let me tell you about what I've done.
Richard and I have been meaning to decorate our home with some photographs of us, to make it more... well.. home-y. Having had one printed when we went to Ohio's Kings Island, I thought it was a good opportunity to set it into a frame.
I hate buying frames. They're expensive, finicky, and they don't always fit the decor of the house, or the mood of the photo.
Some might say that, at my age, you would want more elegant frames for your photos, to convey a sense of maturity. I say they're not having enough fun!
So, without further ado...

Materials:
1 blank wooden frame from Michael's wooden crafts section
1 page cardstock paper (I have a pack of 180 sheets from Recollections)
X-acto knife
Tacky glue
Decorations
1 photo of size

Really, one of these little guys will do.  It's just a dollar at Michael's!

Directions:
Using the frame as a template, cut cardstock paper with the X-acto knife.
Cover the frame in cardstock paper using tacky glue, laying it as flat as possible.
Decorate with stickers, ribbons, buttons, or other notions.

And that's it! From drabby, boring wood, to fun, beautiful, and full of personality.

With these methods, you could reduce the number of photo frames you buy significantly. This is also a great craft for children -- they can make their memories just as fun as the events themselves with this fun craft! Just be sure to give them a helping hand with the cutting part.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

Be An Angel Day; Crochet Bracelet

I haven't posted anything for quite a while here. I've been working on this afghan (which is taking me forever and ever), and I tried hard not to start any other projects before it was done. Well, now I'm taking a break from the blanket and doing some smaller projects to gear up for autumn and winter, so I'll likely post more often.
Recently, my department had a surprise baby shower for one of my very expecting co-worker. I spent six hours (staying up until 3 am) to make her baby a hat. Gosh, am I a slow crocheter. Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo before I wrapped it up. Just imagine a baby hat. In yellow. There; you've got it.
Additionally, my place of employment celebrated Be An Angel Day, which was yesterday, August 22. Those who wanted to participate were given five dollars and could choose to spend it (or more or less money) on a gift, or not spend it and give something else. I wanted to make something for my recipient that would be interesting, cute, and useful (I will leave this person anonymous, because she doesn't know I'm her angel!)
I decided on this thick crocheted bracelet, since it followed with the style I'd seen her exhibit, and was neutral enough to go with a lot of things in any wardrobe. It was also a quick work, so I didn't have to stay up late this time!
Want to make a similar bracelet for someone you want to give a gift to? Here's how I made mine:

Materials:
Sensations Truly Superfine wool blend yarn in Truly Charcoal Grey
Caron CuddleSoft in White
Size G/6 -- 4.25mm crochet hook
Yarn needle

Directions:
Chain 34 using mc.
Row 1: HDC in 3rd chain from hook, HDC across, chain 1, turn work.
Row 2: HDC across, chain 1, turn.
Row 3: SC across, chain 2, turn.
Row 4: HDC across, chain 2, turn.
Row 5: HDC across, switch to cc, chain 1, turn.
Row 6: SC across, switch to mc, chain 1, turn.
Row 7: SC across, chain 2 (counts as first DC in edging row), turn.
Edging: DC in first stitch, slip stitch in next stitch, *2 DC in next stitch, slip stitch in next stitch*, repeat ** until end.
Tie off with 6 inch long tail. Using yarn needle, sew ends together.
Weave in any loose ends.

Notes:
I love this cute little bracelet. The use of HDC stitches give it a wonderful lacey quality (although the photo doesn't show it much.
A pattern like this has lots of potential; you could make it slightly longer, make it twice, and then you have wrist warmers. Make it even longer and you can make fingerless gloves.
Add details to your bracelet that make it visually appealing to the person you're making it for. Asymmetric patterns are really popular right now -- add a set of contrasting buttons of uneven sizes, add more stripes or colours.
As an awesome note, I found out later that my recipient really liked her gift! Yay!

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions or comments about this pattern, feel free to leave them below. Don't forget to subscribe to this blog for more inspiration and fun crafts!

Cowl!

So, I've fallen in love with cowls a little bit. I have this big brown one I got in winter, and it's so fantastic it almost makes me with it was winter again. Almost...
Anyway, I've never made one, and I wanted to find a colour that would be suitable to my personal style, and I decided on this nice rusty one from Lion Brand. It also gave me the chance to use my nice, big crochet hook, which I've fallen in love with since making the boot cuffs. What could be better?
I was able to work it up in a few hours (spread out over two days), and it's super cute. I decided not to twist this one in the work-up, so I could twist it on my own depending on my mood!
Also, I decided to work this in the round to eliminate any visible seams. I think it looks nicer that way.

Materials:
Crochet Hook US N15/10.00mm
Half Skein Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Rust
Yarn needle

Directions:
Chain 60 (or more; you decide).
Join round using slip stitch, taking care not to twist (or twist if you want. I don't care).
Round 1: Single crochet in each stitch. Join round with slip stitch.
Round 2: Half double crochet in each stitch. Join with slip stitch. For tutorial on HDC, look here.
Round 3: Double crochet in each stitch. Join with slip stitch.
Round 4: Repeat Round 3.
Round 5: Repeat Round 2.
Round 6: Repeat Round 1.
Round 7: Repeat Round 2.

Continue this pattern for the desired length. Keep in mind that the double crochet round is repeat twice in a sequence, but the single crochet round is used only once.
When finished, tie off, weave in ends, and enjoy!

Notes:
This pattern was inspired by Amanda's cowl at Parent Pretty. Check out her site here.
You can change how this item comes out by varying a ton of factors. Change the hook size to give tighter or looser stitches. Change the weight of the yarn, or the length and width. The possibilities are there -- work with your personal style and wardrobe to design the perfect cowl!

If you have any comments or questions about this pattern, feel free to leave them below. Don't forget to follow this blog for the latest in crafting fun!

Craft Storage Boxes

                           

 

If you're anything like me, you have amassed some knitting and crocheting supplies without a place to keep them! I don't have a pouch or anything to keep my stuff in, so I devised a way to keep all of my supplies -- little handmade boxes! They're a little time consuming to make, but really nice once they get done.
I made one each for my knitting needles, my crochet hooks and double pointed needles, and my miscellaneous stuff, like my cable needle, stitch holder, and stitch markers.

Materials:
Plastic canvas -- two sheets
Sewing needle with large eye (a yarn needle will not fit in the holes of the canvas)
Scrap yarn

Directions:
This is mostly up to you. Size your plastic canvas pieces according to the size of your needles. Since my size 9 needles are really tall, I needed something to hold them without tipping, but not so tall as to hide the smaller eights and sixes. Sew a design into the plastic canvas first, and then fill in the background colour. Sew pieces together and outline the top of the box in yarn as well.
If you choose to make a lidded box, like my miscellaneous box, cut the bottom of the frame first, then the face of the lid with one box extra all around. This will give you an extra lip to sealed the box properly.

Notes:
My boxes are fairly small, so I didn't feel like I had adequate room to make an intricate design on the box sides. If your boxes are larger, or you're just feeling adventurous, plan your design carefully before executing.
Have fun with this project! It takes a long while to get everything sewn up, so mix up colours and designs, or make a neatly coordinated set, like mine.

If you have any questions or comments about this craft, leave them below! Don't forget to follow this blog and stay up to date on the fun projects happening at the StegoCraftasaurus!

Olive Green Boot Cuffs

Boot cuffs are just fantastic, aren't they? Since I've got fat... well, everything, but calves are what's relavent here. Since the calves are big, I can't wear high-shaft boots, but luckily, I found some about a year ago that go up my legs a bit.
The key to making these is to measure how high up your boot goes, then find that height on your leg, and measure the circumference of that spot. For example:
My boots go up eight inches. At eight inches up my leg (starting from the heel of the foot), the circumference of my calf is 15 inches. Therefore, I know to make my cuffs 15 inches.

Materials:
Size USN15/10.00mm crochet hook
Olive green yarn from Lions Brand, Vanna's Choice
Needle for sewing buttons
Two buttons of contrasting colour (I used bright orange)

Directions:
Make 2
Chain 40. Join in a loop with slip stitch, taking care that the chain is not twisted.
Round 1: Chain 2. Double crochet in every stitch, joining with a slip stitch.
Repeat until cuff is of suitable length (mine measure 5 inches and required 12 rounds).
To create decorative edging: Chain 2. *(Single crochet, chain 2, single crochet) in same space. Slip stitch in next stitch.* Repeat * sequence until the round is complete and join with a slip stitch.
Sew buttons.

Notes: I completed this project very quickly; it took about half a day of on and off work, so faster individuals can probably finish this project in less than an hour.
The colour possibilities are endless! Experiment with colours that will go best with your boots, leggings, and outfits.
You can adjust the width and length of your cuffs based on your size and preference. Be sure to have some form of measure available, and try them on occasionally to see if they're the desired dimensions.
Get creative! Use multiple buttons, other design motifs, or multiple colours to make your cuffs as unique as you are!

If you have any questions or comments about this pattern, feel free to leave them below.
Don't forget to follow this blog to get all the latest crafty updates!

Little Crocheted Cthulhu!

Oh my goodness this is the cutest thing I've ever made! A little crocheted Cthulhu to be my little buddy.
This is also the hardest task I've undertaken. It took three days of intermittent work. I found the pattern for this little guy here, at Rural Rebellion. I had to make some small adjustments to the pattern, because some of the numbering is wrong. It should be apparent if you attempt it, and simple math will help you correct it. I also made the body one row longer.
One last thing I did was to sew the wings and arms on BEFORE attaching the head and body. Keeping that in mind, if you follow my method, don't stuff the body until all parts have been sewn on.
This is my first amigurumi plush toy, and I'm so happy with how it came out.
Now I torture my ratties by chasing them around the room with the Lovecraftian menace himself (kidding...)!
If you have any questions about the adjustments I made or any comments about my cute new friend, leave them below!

Fingerless Gloves with Cables

So, I've been into this glove making thing for a while now. Additionally, I have this cable needle, and never really learned how to use it, so I taught myself how to make cables. They're a bit difficult to see with these photos, but I didn't really have any help with them...
I incorporated a couple of design motifs into this pair; I used cables of two different sizes in the same row, as well as some basic ribbing.
That said, I really like these. They're perfectly snug on my hands and wrists, they go down below coat cuff level, so I can stuff them for the really cold days, and they allow me full finger dexterity.
I should note that this yarn naturally has the three colours -- light blue, light brown, and dark brown, and I was given the yarn as a gift, so I don't know where I got it.
Again, since these are gloves, I did not gauge this.

Materials:
Less than one skein worsted weight yarn
Knitting needles, size 9, 5.50mm
Cable needle
Yarn needle, for weaving ends and sewing seams.

Abbreviations:
4CBF: Slip two stitches to cable needle and hold to front of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then next the two from the cable needle.

Directions: Make two
Cast on 34 stitches
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl
Row 3: k1,p1; (k1,p1,k4) five times; k1,p1
Row 4: k1,p1; (k1,p1,p4) five times; k1,p1; k1,p1
Row 5: Repeat Row 3
Row 6: Repeat Row 4
Row 7: k1,p1; (k1,p1; 4CBF) five times; k1,p1
Row 8: Repeat Row 4
Row 9: Repeat Row 3
Row 10: Repeat Row 4

For longer cables, knit to Row 10, return to Row 3, and continue in this way. For shorter cables, knit to Row 8, and return to Row 3 (That is, the longer cables have two extra rows of stitching involved).
My patterning went as follows:  After first cable, stitch two short cables, followed by one long cable, followed by 2 short, and so on in this way until I felt it was long enough. At this point, I began the end cuff:
Row right after last cable: Repeat Row 4
Repeat Row 3
Repeat Row 4
Repeat Row 3
Purl
Knit
Bind off

When binding off, leave a long enough tail to sew the edges together twice (that is, once up the glove and once down the glove, for extra strength). Be sure to leave a two-inch hole for the thumb in each glove. Weave in loose ends.

Notes:
Be sure to test to be sure the glove will be wide enough by measuring against the target hands and arms.
Be sure to figure out how many cables you want in each glove, so you can plan accordingly.
You can make longer cuffs for your gloves if you wish, just extend the stockinette stitching to the desired length.
I recommend sewing the gloves on the target hand, if possible. It will ensure that the thumb-holes are in the right place for both gloves.

If you have any questions or comments about this pattern, feel free to leave them below!

Extra Large Gloves, or the Gigantor Gloves

  If these look massive on me, it's because they are. They were made for someone with much larger hands than mine, i.e. my younger brother, Carlos. Turns out, they were a little big on him, so he uses them as wristlets now... oh well, lesson learned.

Anyway, if you need to make Gigantor Gloves, here's how I did it:

Materials: Some amount of yarn. I say some because I used less than one skein.
                  Size 8 knitting needles, or desired size
                  Yarn needle

Note: I didn't gauge this. I don't think that it's that big of a deal for gloves, since they'll end up fitted to the person you want to give them to, anyway. Just try to knit the same gauge for both gloves!

Directions: Cast on 50 stitches (this can be more or less depending on the size of your Gigantor Gloves, but keep it an even number).
                   St st for 8 rows
                   K2, P2 ribbing for 32 rows
                   St st 4 rows
                   Cast off, sew seams, leaving about two inches open for the thumb.
                   Weave in ends.


So this is a pretty simple knit, using very basic techniques. I swear I'm getting better...
As I said, I made these a little too big for my brother. Although his hands are definitely huge, they aren't 50-stitches-huge. To be fair, he and I live ten hours apart, and I don't know his hand size off the top of my head... It worked out in the end, though...
My next project will surely be sized correctly.

Beret!

Yesterday, I got a big old US size 15/10.00mm crochet needle, and I was so excited that I set to work right away crocheting a hat. Since I'm not terribly skilled yet, I had some bumps along the way and had to restart at one point, because my hat was curling into a tight little bowl at just four rounds in. Yikes! Once I set about it again, it really worked out. 

As soon as I finished it, I grabbed my boyfriend and we took the photos. Yes, I look tired. Yes, this was taken in my bathroom. Yes, I'm not the best model ever. Yes, I'm in comfortable clothes that don't really suit the hat. But this isn't about fashion! It's about creativity (and a little bit of insanity!)

Now then, I'll tell you how I made it:

Materials:   US size 15/10.00mm crochet hook

                    US size 6/4.25mm crochet hook

                    Yarn needle

                    About 1/2 skein of yarn (I had some leftover from a previous project -- that's how little this uses!)

                    Some contrasting buttons (Yellow in my case)

Abbreviations Glossary: 

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

ss: slip stich

dc dec: double crochet decrease

v-stitch: double crochet in stitch, chain one, double crochet in same stitch. This will create a "V" shape (photo below).

Now then. I completed this in about seven to eight hours of crocheting time, over two days, with a ton of distractions. those who are better and faster than me can probably do it in half the time.

One really nice thing about the huge needle is that you can make really nice, big holes without much effort. The key is to crochet loosely, so that it all flows nicely.

To start, chain five, and use a slip stitch to join the round. 

Round 1: Chain 3, dc, v-stitch four times around the ring (You should have five distinct "V's" or holes), ss to join.

Round 2: Chain 3, dc in same hole, v-stitch in each of the remaining four holes of previous round (You should end up with nine "V's"), ss to join round.

Round 3-16: Chain 3, dc in same hole, v-stitch in every other hole (that is, skip the "V's" from the previous round and make a v-stitch in the "spacer" holes), ss to join rounds.

Round 17&18: Use dc dec across entire round, using ss to join rounds.

Round 19-26: Switch to smaller needle, sc across entire round, ss to join rounds. 

Tie off and hide ends.

Sew buttons.

And that's it. It's pretty simple. A few notes:

• I wanted this quite slouchy, so I carried on for a while before I started decreasing. You can adjust your rows up and down according to slouchiness desired. The best method to determine when you're finished with the main part of the hat is just to place it over your head, where you'd like it to sit. Once you're satisfied with the length, start to decrease.
• I only needed two rows of decreasing to get the hat to my size, but you may need more or less. Test the hat after each row to determine if it's reached your ideal size or not.
• Because the dc dec creates rather large stitches with such a big needle, I used multiple sc stitches across the first row, using the smaller needle. You can adjust this to your own preference.
• I wanted a nice wide brim to sit on my head so I could embellish it, but you don't have to use one; in fact, I found it was a suitable length for non-embellishment at about 4-5 rounds of sc.
• Make sure you work loosely! If it starts to really curl up within just a few rows, you may need to start over. That sort of cupping is nice on a beanie, but you want a nice level start for a beret!

This is what your holes should look like. Keep in mind that this photo was taken down the length of the hat, so check your work similarly.

I'm super excited about this hat. It will be really nice to wear with some of the grays and blues in my wardrobe, especially when the warmer weather hits!

If you have any comments or questions about this pattern, feel free to ask me!

Valentine's Day Present: The Knit Friendship Bracelet

Since I've been sitting around the house a bunch, I also have not been making money, so I could not purchase a gift this year for Richard (Last year, I bought the battery to my car that he sometimes drove. Not a gift, I guess, but we spent the day changing it).
He recently asked me to remake a stronger version of a friendship bracelet that I made for him last year. He had suggested a way to make the four strands of little floss stronger, but I had a better idea: I'll knit it. So I cast on enough stitches to get to about seven inches (he needed seven and a half) and used five rows of stockinette stitching, with a knit-based cast-off. The trick here is to make sure you have extra string from both the cast-on and cast-off end, which need to be on opposite sides to tie it off on the wrist. Additionally, one can sew strings on the other corners to allow double tying.
This time, I won't deliver a pattern, since I think this has a ton of room for creativity. I mention this project because I know there are so many people who don't know what to give as a gift, but it's so easy to just make something. It's interesting, it exercises the creative mind, and more importantly, comes from the heart. It's so easy to just find something easy, or something you've just picked up, and turn it into a gift. So if you have a birthday, an anniversary, or some other event coming, here's an idea you can use.

1: Fingerless gloves

Welcome to my craft blog. The first project I will share with you is the result of something I've been trying really hard to master: knitting. I was first taught the very very basics of knitting by a friend of mine from back home, and my mother got me a lessons book so I could learn more. That book, combined with good, old-fashioned, Internet info, has helped me to teach myself the rest of what I need to know. For comfort reasons, I knit the continental way, but I didn't realize it until my purl stitches didn't look like purl stitches at all! After a quick adjustment, I've gotten back to knitting the right way.
So then, onto the first knitting project, the fingerless glove. As a note, I didn't gauge them, as I think these can be easily accomplished with any gauge. In any case, here is the pattern:

Also, excuse the terrible messiness of my room behind the glove

Materials: size 8, 5.0mm needles
                  Red Heart Super Saver worsted yarn, grey
                  Yarn needle
                  Some regular old scissors

Pattern: Cast on 26 stitches
               Garter stitch 8 rows (This will form the lower cuff not pictured in the photograph)
               Knit 1, Purl 1 Ribbing 24 rows (That is, k1, p1, and repeat to the end of the row)
               Garter stitch 3 rows (Top border)
               Bind off, leaving roughly 15-20 inches of yarn to sew the glove with. Make sure you leave a nearly two-inch hole for the thumb. To help, you may do what I did, which is sew the first two or three stitches, put the glove on where you'd like for it to sit, and sew down and around the thumb. For extra strength along the seam, you may wish to sew the seam twice, once down the glove and once back up.
              Weave in loose ends.

Repeat this process twice in order to create two full gloves. If you want to have a longer glove, knit more ribbed rows. If you want to have a wider glove (that is, if your arms are wider than mine), cast on more stitches. Keep in mind a couple of things: 1) Longer gloves may require a wider glove, as the arm widens towards the elbow, and 2) In order for the Knit 1, Purl 1 Ribbing to work properly, you should have an even number of stitches.