Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Little Tent Hat

Little Tent Hat

I'm paying the piper with this pattern - and, by "the piper," I mean my eldest son, who has learned that he only needs to bat his sweet little eyes at the yarn store to get almost any fiber he wants (I draw the line at novelty). So, he picked the yarn, and then we picked the pattern together; something whimsical and fun, but that would suit both children and adults. Speaking of which, I've designed this hat in four sizes, which should cover everyone from about 18 months to adult (because - scarily enough - there really isn't that much of a difference in head size). If you need any additional guidance choosing a size, just let me know in the comments! :)

Sizes: Toddler (Child; Teen/Small Adult; Large Adult)

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 128 yards [117 meters]/100 grams); #1952 Blaze - one skein plus a little scrap white for the pompom (oh, and if you're making the adult large hat, you may need 2 skeins to complete the pompom)

A closer view of the little tents
Needles: One 16" circular needle in size US 9, one 16" circular needle in size US 10, and one set of double pointed needles (dpns), also in size US 10

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches on size 10 needles 

And now that we know what we're working with, let's get started! Using your size 9 circular needle, then, cast on 60 (66; 72; 78) stitches, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll knit some ribbing to get started, as follows:

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Another Brick Cowl

Another Brick Cowl

I created this week's design in response to another user request; specifically, I got feedback that someone was looking for a slipped stitch cowl pattern that used three colors, but in stripes rather than all at once (does that make any sense?). Anyway, I think it took me longer to settle on my color choices than it did on the slipped stitch pattern, especially since this one knits up beautifully and cleanly, without the stitch tugging effect that some such patterns can have. So, basically, if you're in the mood for a fun color project (or a scrap-buster; think what you could do with more colors!), this cowl might be just what you're looking for! :)

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 Sport (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 164 yards [150 meters]/50 grams); #8010 Beige - one skein (color A), #9421 Blue Hawaii - one skein (color B), & #8891 Cyan Blue - one skein (color C)

A closer view of the slipped stitch pattern
Needles: One 16" circular needle in size US 6; one 16" circular needle in size US 5

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches on size 6 needles 

So let's make a cowl! First, then, using your size 5 needle and your color A yarn, cast on 120 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll work the following ribbing row:

Ribbing Row: using color A, * k2, p2; rep from *

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Winter's Eve Cowl

Winter's Eve Cowl

I've done everything in my power to post one new knitting pattern each Wednesday (something I maintained even through the birth of my youngest!), but this week finally broke me. My next project isn't quiiiiite done. Luckily, I can still share the Winter's Eve Cowl, which I just designed for AllFreeKnitting. You can find the link below. And I promise - to make up for it, next week's project will be a stunner!

Yarn: Lion Brand Yarns Hometown USA (94% Acrylic, 6% Rayon; 64 yards [59 meters]/113 grams); #202 Aspen Tweed – 3 skeins

A closer look at the pattern.
Knits and purls, baby, knits and purls.
Needles: straight needles in size US 13, straight needles in size US 15 for provisional cast on

Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: 9 stitches = 4 inches on size US 13 needles

To make this little lovely, which uses the Kitchener stitch for a seamless, double-wrapping appearance, you'll actually need to head on over to the AllFreeKnitting website. And the link is right...

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Autumn Rose Cowl

Autumn Rose Cowl

While I love (virtually) all knitting, I especially love designing pieces with a certain person in mind. This cowl was inspired by one of my kids' teachers, who has definitely earned something extra through her kindness and patience despite my kids' occasionally, ahem, * energetic *, behavior. As an added bonus, this cowl's simple design shows off the beauty of the yarn, and is also suitable for beginning knitters or as something to keep your hands occupied during a good movie.

Yarn: Malabrigo Mechita (100% Merino Superwash; 420 yards [385 meters]/100 grams); #862 Piedras – one skein 

It's amazing what you can do with a few knits
and some purls!
Needles: One 16" or 20" circular needle in size US 2

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker


Gauge: 26 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size US 2 needles


Which brings us to the cowl-making! With that in mind, cast on 140 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. And then we'll begin our edging rows, as follows:

Edging Rows 1 - 4: * k10, p10; rep from *