Blackberry Beanie

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, 1/2 skein in Dusty Purple


Needles: Set of 5 DPNs, 5.5mm


Gauge: 16sts = 4 inches in pattern






Body:


CO 96 sts and divide evenly over 4 needles (24 sts per needle). Join and pm.



Round 1: purl


Round 2: [(p1, k1, p1)in 1 st, k3tog] to end


Round 3: purl


Round 4: [k3tog, (p1, k1, p1) in 1st] to end


These 4 round establish the pattern.



Work in pattern until the work measures 6 inches from the brim.





Decreases:


Work in pattern on even rounds, decrease on odd rounds.



Round 1: [p2tog, p4] to end. (80sts)


Round 3: [p2tog, p3] to end. (64sts)


Round 5: [p2tog, p2] to end. (48 sts)


Round 7: [p2tog, p1] to end. (32 sts)


Round 9: p2tog to end. (16 sts)


Round 11: p2tog to end. (8 sts)



Cut yarn leaving a 6 inch tail. Thread through the remaining 8 sts and secure. Weave in ends.

Striped Baby Hat

Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport, MC 1 ball Marmalade, CC 1 ball White

Needles: set of 4 3.5mm DPNs

Gauge: 6 sts per inch on 3.5 mm needles in stockinette stitch

Brim: CO 72 sts in MC and divide among 3 needles. Join the round and work 3 rows in 2x2 rib.

Body: Work 3 rows in St St. Join CC and work 1 row. Switch to MC for 2 rows. Switch to CC for 1 row and break yarn leaving a 6" tail. Continue with MC for 6 rows.

Crown Decreases:

Round 1: *k7, k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Knit all odd numbered rounds.

Round 3: *k6, k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Round 5: *k5, k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Round 7: *k4, k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Round 9: *k3, k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Round 11: *k2, k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Round 13: *k1, k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Round 15: *k2tog, repeat from * to end.

Round 16: Knit

Break yarn leaving a 6 inch tail and thread through the remaining stitches.

Cherry Baby Beret

I made this beret to go with this shrug. It fits 0-3 months.

Yarn: Moda Dea Bamboo Wool

Needles: 4mm DPNs set of 4

Notions: 4 stitch markers

Gauge: 5 sts per inch in stockinette stitch

Abbreviations:

pm - place marker sm - slip marker

ssk - slip the next two stitches from the left needle to the right needle. Insert the left needle into the front of the slipped stitches and knit the two stitches together.
m1 - increase one stitch by picking up the loop between the stitch just worked and the next stitch. Place the loop on the left needle and knit.

Brim:

CO 60 sts, divide evenly over 3 needles, join the round and pm to indicate the beginning of the round.

Work in k2, p2 rib for 5 rounds.

Increase Rounds:

Round 1: (k1, m1, k9, pm, k1, m1, k9) repeat the same sequence on needles 2 and 3.

Round 2: knit

Round 3: (k1, m1, k to marker, sm, k1, m1, k to end of needle) repeat the same sequence on needles 2 and 3.

Round 4: knit

Repeat rounds 2 and 3, slipping markers as you go, until you have 120 sts total.

Decrease Rounds:

Round 1: (k1, ssk, k to marker, sm, k1, ssk, k to end of needle) repeat the same sequence on needles 2 and 3.

Round 2: knit

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have 60 sts remaining.

Continue repeating round 1 only until you have 6 sts on each needle. (18sts)

Next round: (k1, ssk, remove marker, k1 ssk) repeat the same sequence on needles 2 and 3. (12sts)

Next round: (k1, ssk, k1) repeat the same sequence on needles 2 and 3. (9sts)

Next round: (k1, ssk) repeat the same sequence on needles 2 and 3. (6 sts)

Next round: ssk 3 times (3 sts)

Slip remaining 3 sts on to one needle and work an i-cord for 1/4 inch. Weave in ends.

Oceanside Ankle Socks

Well, I'm desperate for a warm weather holiday but I have 8 weeks to go until my trip south. I knited these using yarn that makes me think of the beach. Hopefully they'll tide me over!

Yarn: Knit Picks Felici, Colorway: Meridien
Needles: 2.25 mm DPNs, set of 5
Gauge: 8 sts = 1 inch
Size: Fits women's size 8 but you can lengthen or shorten the length of the foot.
Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle


Cuff: Using the long tail method, CO 72 sts and divide evenly on 4 needles. Join the round and work in 2x2 rib for 1.5 inches.


Leg:
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: K2tog to end (36sts)
Round 3: Knit through the front and back of the loop to end (72 sts)
Round 4: Knit
These 4 rounds establish the pattern. Work pattern 1 more time (4 rounds).


Heel Flap:
Knit across the first needle (18sts), turn purl across the first needle and the 4th needle. You should have 36 sts on 1 needle. Leave the remaining 36 sts on the 2nd and 3rd needles for the instep.
Working the heel flap sts only:
Row 1: *S1 PW, K1 repeat from * to end
Row 2: *S1 PW, P to end
Continue until you have worked 36 rows.


Turn Heel:
Row 1: (RS) K20, ssk, k1, TURN
Row 2: (WS) S1 PW, p5, p2tog, p1 TURN
Row 3: S1 PW, knit to 1 stitch before gap, ssk (1 stitch from each side of gap), k1, TURN
Row 4: S1 PW, p to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog (1 stitch from each side of gap) p1, TURN

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all sts have been worked, ending in a WS row. On the last repeat, row 3 will end with ssk and row 4 will end with p2tog. (20sts)


Gusset:
Round 1: With needle 1, knit across all heel sts and pick up and knit 19 sts along the edge of the heel flap. With needle 2, work across the first 18 instep sts in pattern beginning with row 1, with needle 3 knit across the remaining instep sts in pattern, With needle 4, pick up and knit 19 sts along the other side of the heel flap, then knit then knit across the first 10 sts on needle 1.


Needle 1: 29 sts. Needle 2: 18 sts. Needle 3: 18 sts. Needle 4: 29 sts


Round 2: On needle 1, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1, on needles 2 and 3, knit, on needle 4, k1, ssk, k to end
Round 3: Knit on needles 1 and 4, work in pattern on needles 2 and 3.
Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until 72 sts remain. 18 sts each needle.

Foot:
Continue knitting on needles 1 and 4 and working in pattern on needles 2 and 3 without decreasing until the foot measures 2 inches less than desired foot length.

From this point on, you will no longer work in pattern. All needles will be worked in stockinette stitch.

Toe:

Round 1: On needle 1, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. On needle 2, k1, ssk, kto end. On needle 3, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. On needle 4, k1, ssk, k to end.

Round 2: Knit

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 36 sts remain.

Repeat round 1 only until 16 sts remain. Using needle 4, knit across needle 1. Slip the 4 sts from needle 2 onto needle 3. You should now have 2 needles with 8 sts each. Graft to close the toe using kitchener stitch.

Braided newborn hat and socks

I made this hat for my friend's new baby. When my son was born, he was 7lbs and we couldn't find hats that were small enough for him. Other friends have had this problem too, so this one is nice and tiny! Along with the socks below, they make a great 1 skein gift. The whole project only takes about 3 hours to knit!

Yarn: Moda Dea Bamboo Wool
Needles: 4mm DPNs
Gauge: 5sts = 1 inch

Brim:
Cast on 60 sts and divide evenly over 3 needles. Join and place marker.
Round 1: *K2, P2, repeat from * to end.

Rounds 2-10: Work the 2x2 rib, but for the knit stitches, knit into the back of the first stitch and do not drop it off the needle. Bring the needle around and knit the second stitch through the front of the stitch. Drop both stitches off the needle.

Body:
Work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 4 inches.

Crown:
Round 1: K1, S1, psso, knit to the last 3 sts on the first needle, k2tog, k1 repeat this for needles 2 and 3. (54 sts)
Round 2: knit
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have 18 sts remaining. End on a round 2. Thread the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tight. Weave in loose ends and voila!

Now on to the matching socks!

Needles: 3.5mm DPNs, set of 5

Leg:

CO 24 sts. Join and PM

Round 1: *K2, P2 repeat from * to end

Round 2: Work the 2x2 rib, but for the knit stitches, knit into the back of the first stitch and do not drop it off the needle. Bring the needle around and knit the second stitch through the front of the stitch. Drop both stitches off the needle.

Repeat round 2 until the leg measures 2 inches

Heel: Work on 12 sts.

Round 1: *S1 PW, K1, repeat from * to end

Round 2: *S1, PW, P to end

Repeat round 1 and 2 4 more times (total of 10 rows)

Heel turn:
Row 1: Slip 1 PW, K6, K2tog, K1, turn
Row 2: Slip 1 PW, P3, P2tog, P1, turn
Row 3: Slip 1 PW, K4, K2tog, K1, turn
Row 4: Slip 1 PW, P5, P2tog, P1, turn

Gussett:
Needle 1: Knit 4 across heel, PM, Knit 4
(the rounds will now start at the marker which is in the center of the heel)
Pick up 5 sts from side of heel flap
Needle 2: Knit across instep sts (6), keeping in pattern
Needle 3: Knit across instep sts (6), keeping in pattern

Needle 4: Pick up 5 sts from opposite side of heel flap, Knit 4 to marker

Round 1: Needle 1 – knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1
Needles 2 & 3 – knit instep sts in pattern
Needle 4 – K1, S1, K1, psso, knit to marker

Round 2: Needle 1 – knit
Needles 2 & 3 – knit instep sts in pattern
Needle 4 – knit

Repeat rounds 1 &2 three times (total of 6 rounds)

Foot:
Continue knitting Round 2 until sock measures 2” from the back of the heel

TOE:
The instep sts will now be worked in stockinette stitch, no further ribbing

Round 1: Knit all sts on all needles
Round 2: Needle 1 – Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1
Needle 2 – K1, S1, K1, psso, knit to end
Needle 3 -- Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1
Needle 4 – K1, S1, K1, psso, knit to end

Repeat rounds 1 & 2 twice (4 rounds)
Repeat round 2 two times (8 sts remaining)

Graft toe closed!

Santa hat with optional earflaps

Here's a Santa hat that I made for my son's first Christmas. His head measurement is 18 inches and I made the XS. It's big on him. I could have made the XXS, but this one will fit him this year and next. The earflaps are done last, so they are optional. Don't mind the one messy little pom pom, it was attacked just prior to the picture being taken. You can see the offending feline stalking the bigger one!

Yarn: Diamond Yarns Galway: 1 ball red (MC), 1 ball white (CC)

Needles: 2 sets of 5 dpns sizes 3.5mm and 4mm. 4mm straight needles plus 1 smaller straight needle.

Gauge: 20 sts = 4 inches on larger needles

Sizing: From baby to adult XXS (XS, S, M, L) Measure the wearer's head and make the hat 1 or 2 brim sizes smaller than the wearer's head, depending on how snug you like your hats.

Brim size 14 (16, 18, 20, 22)

Brim: Using 3.5 mm needles and CC, CO 70 (80, 90, 100, 110) sts and divide evenly onto 4 needles. Join round and place marker.

Rnd 1: K1, P1 to end

Rnd 2: P1, K1 to end

Repeat these two rnds for seed stitch. Continue in seed stitch until the brim measures 1 (1.25, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) inches from cast on edge.

Body: Switch to 4 mm needles and work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 4 (4.5, 5, 6, 7) inches.

Shape top:

1. Work 1st dec. round: *K5 (6, 7, 8, 9) K2tog rep from * to end of rnd. 60(70, 80, 90, 100) sts

2. Work plain for 8 rnds.

3. Work 2nd dec. round: *K4 (5, 6, 7, 8) K2tog rep from * to end of rnd. 50(60, 70, 80, 90) sts

4. Work plain for 8 rnds.

5. Continue alternating dec rnds decreasing 10 sts evenly, and sets of 8 plain rnds until you have 20 sts.

6. Work plain for 8 rnds

7. K2tog to end of round

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you have 5 sts.

9. K2tog twice, K1 (3 sts)

10. K2tog, K1 (2sts)

11. K2tog (1 st)

12. Break yarn leaving a 6 inch tail and pull through the remaining stitch. Weave in loose ends and block. Make a large pompom using CC and sew to the top of your hat. Continue below for optional earflaps.

Earflaps: 1. Holding the hat upright with the join of the rnd (back of hat) facing, place markers for the left earflap:

Beg at the join, measure 1.75 (2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75) inches and mark with a safety pin. Place a second pin 3 (4, 4, 4, 5) inches to the left of the first.

2. With RS facing, use smaller needles to pick up and knit 16 (20, 20, 20, 24) sts along the CO edge between the safety pins using CC

3. Turn and knit the first WS row.

4. Begin seed stitch: *K1, P1 rep from * to end

5. Next row: *P1, K1 rep from * to end

6. Shape: P2tog, *K1, P1 rep from * to last 2 sts, K2tog

7. *K1, P1 rep from * to end

8. K2tog *P1, K1 rep from * to last 2 sts, P2tog

9. *P1, K1 rep from * to last end

10. Repeat rows 6-9 until you have 4 sts.

11. Slip remaining 4sts on to 4mm dpn and knit a cord. (8 in. for baby, 10 in. for child, 12 in. for adult)

12. Repeat for right earflap, only place markers to the right of the join.

13. Attach small pompoms to the ends of the cords.

Note: This hat is adapted from a master pattern in Teach Yourself Visually Knitting Design by Sharon Turner

Big cozy hat!

I designed this hat for my sister's Christmas gift. I wanted it nice and big because my sister has an average sized head, but lots of thick hair. I love how it turned out. It's big and warm and super cozy! Not to mention that it's so easy to knit. It took me about 2 hours. There will be a scarf to match very soon!

Big Cozy Hat:

Yarn: Schachenmayr Nomotta Silenzio, Colourway: 00005 (Super Bulky) 1.5 skeins
Needles: 6.5 mm 16" circ, set of 5 6mm DPNs
Gauge: 13 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches
Size: Fits an average woman's head with lots of hair

Cast on 60 stitches on to circular needle, place marker and join.
Round 1- 4: *K1 P1* to end
Round 5: Cast on 1 stitch at the beginning of the round (61 stitches). P1 *K3 P1* to end
Round 6-8: K to end
Round 9: K2 P1 *K3 P1* to last 2 stitches, K2
Round 10-12: K to end
Repeat rows 5-12 3 times more.

Decrease:
Round 1: P1 *K3 P1* to end
Round 2: *K8 K2tog* to last 2 stitches, K2 (55 stitches)
Round 3: K to end
Round 4: *K6 K2tog* to last 7 stitches, K7 (49 stitches)
Round 5: K2, P1 *K3 P1* to last 2 stitches, K2
Round 6: *K4 K2tog* to last stitch, K1 (41 stitches)
Round 7: K to end
Round 8: *K3 K2tog* to last stitch, K1 (33 stitches)
Round 9: P1 *K3 P1* to end
Round 10: *K2 K2tog* to last stitch, K1 (23 stitches)
Round 11: K to end
Round 12: *K1 K2tog* to last stitch K1 (17 stitches)
Round 13: K to end
Round 14: *K2 tog* to last stitch K1 (9 stitches)

Break yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail and thread tail through the remaining 9 stitches. Weave in loose ends.
Enjoy!