Woolery--knitted/felted Jewelry

Heavy metal chains conduct cold--and another word for diamonds? Ice! So if a girl wants to accessorize and keep warm, regular jewelry isn't going to throw any sparks. Since all I want to do when the cold winds blow is knit, I decided to knit a necklace that would add some color to my thermal turtleneck while keeping me warm.

This is an easy project, fine for a beginning knitter who has knitted in the round with double pointed needles. The only tricky part is making sure you add the "links" as you go, sliding them and moving them over your needles as you go.

Using 100% wool (no blends), cast on 18 stitches on size 8 or 9 double-pointed needle. Since you will be felting all of this later, exact guage, number of stitches, etc. is not crucial.

Divide these stitches onto 3 double-pointed needles--and if this is your first loop--knit 6 rounds and cast off, giving you your first link or loop. Since the trick is to connect these loops, in the next step, you'll see I am adding one to an ongoing chain.

Slip the loop onto your needle and connect your stitches, knitting six rounds, moving the already completed loop around the needle as you knit the new one. It feels awkward at first--but you'll get used to it quickly.

See how the new(red)loop is now attached to the chain.

Bind off after your sixth round of knitting and using a tapestry needle, weave in the ends, and allow the link/loop to roll in on itself naturally.

See? This is becoming a nicely rounded loop added to the chain!

You can see it clearly here--the loops rolled in on themselves, wrong side of knitting on the outside.
When your chain is long enough, felt by throwing the chain of knitted loops into your washing machine with a pair of jeans to give some tumbling weight to the process, and wash with a tiny drop of soap on your hottest setting.

When the wash cycle is complete, you should have a felted chain that you can fasten around your neck by pulling as many loops through the end--like a lariat. Once felted, you can shape the loops while still damp, then let dry thoroughly. Wear and be prepared for compliments!