Flicker Hat

The past couple of months, my roommate and I have been doing a collaborative project called Stitch Party. I knit infinity scarves and colorwork hats, and she embroiders wall hangings and little notebooks. We’ve had a great response so far, and have been selling them at a local Tea Shop as well as Artist Markets. We are very excited to be able to show off our crafts! (You can follow us on instagram at @stitch_party )

The hat shown above is one of the hats I’ve been making for Stitch Party, and I received so many questions about the pattern. So I decided to write it and publish it on Ravelry! I have been using Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick, but prefer the yarn I used in the above picture, Sublime Lola (a super bulky weight merino wool yarn). It is unbelievably soft and the color palette is top notch. And of course, the pom pom makes it.

This hat is the perfect project for a beginner knitter who wants to enter into the world of simple colorwork! It is also a quick knit and makes a great gift!

Materials needed:

• Super bulky weight yarn (60 yards of Main Color & 30 yards of Contrast Color)
• 16” circular needles, #11 & #13
• 1 set of DPNs, #13
• Tapestry needle

For more info, please check out the pattern on Ravelry here!

New pattern: Pacific Hat

This hat matches these fingerless mitts. It was also raffled off to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. I love the five-stranded braided cable! Fits like a beanie.

MATERIALS:
1 skein (150 yds) of dk weight yarn (I used Malabrigo Arroyo in 855 Aguas)
16″ circular needles, sizes 4 (3.5 mm) and 6 (4.0 mm)
1 set dpns in size 6 (4.0 mm)
cable needle
tapestry needle
2 stitch markers

PATTERN:
With smaller circular needles, CO 108 sts and join in round
Work in 2×2 rib (k2, p2 around) until work measures 1.25″
Switch to larger circular needles, placing a stitch marker to mark the beg of row
Next row: k12, m1, k8, p4, m1 *(p12, m1), repeat from * until end of row (117 sts)
K 20 sts, pm, purl to end of row
Your cable pattern will be worked over the first 20 sts of the row, between the stitch markers

CABLE PATTERN:
Row 1: C8B, k4, C8F
Rows 2, 3, 4: k20, purl to end
Row 5: K4, C8F, k8
Rows 6, 7, 8: k20, purl to end
Row 9: K8, C8B, k4
Rows 10, 11, 12: k20, purl to end

Work cable pattern 3 times.

DECREASE: cable decreases are in [ ]
Place 6 markers on hat so that stitches are divided as follows: 20, 19, 20, 19, 20, 19.
**Use a different colored marker for the beginning of your row.
Row 1: [C8B, k4, C8F], purl until end of row
Row 2: [k2tog, k16, ssk], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * to end of row
Row 3: [k18], purl until end of row
Row 4: [k3, k2tog, k8, ssk, k3], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * end end of row
Row 5: [k3, place 3 sts onto cn, hold front, k4 from left needle, knit 3 from cn, k6], purl until end of row
Row 6: [k2tog, k3, k2tog, k7, ssk], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * to end of row
Row 7: [k13], purl until end of row
Row 8: [k5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k2], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * to end of row
Row 9: [k4, place 3 sts onto cn, hold front, k2 from left needle, knit 3 from cn, k2], purl until end of row
Row 10: [k2tog, k7, ssk], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * end end of row
Row 11: [k3, k2tog, k2tog, k2], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * end end of row
Row 12: [k2tog, k3, ssk], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * end end of row
Row 13: [k2tog, k1, ssk], *(p2tog, purl to 2 sts before marker, ssp), rpt from * end end of row
Row 14: [sl 1, k2tog, psso], p2tog around until end of row

Rpt p2tog until you have only 3 sts left.
Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends.

Be sure to check out my other designs here!

Kylen

New pattern: Sandy Mitts

This pattern was made for a Cystic Fibrosis Raffle at work, mentioned here. I had so much fun designing these, and there’s a matching hat pattern coming soon!

MATERIALS:
1 skein (150 yds) of dk weight yarn (I used Malabrigo Arroyo in 855 Aguas)
2 sets dpns in sizes 6 (4.0 mm) and 4 (3.5 mm)
cable needle
tapestry needle
2 stitch markers
crochet hook
scrap yarn

PATTERN:
With crochet hook and larger dpns, do a provisional CO – chain & knit into 24 sts
Begin cable pattern.

CABLE PATTERN:
Row 1: C8B, k4, C8F
Rows 2, 3, 4: k20, purl to end
Row 5: K4, C8F, k8
Rows 6, 7, 8: k20, purl to end
Row 9: K8, C8B, k4
Rows 10, 11, 12: k20, purl to end

Work cable pattern 4 times, ending on row 9 of the 4th repeat.

**It may be helpful to block your cabled work while still on the needles, to make it easier when picking up sts.

With wrong sides facing, use kitchener st to graft two ends of cable together.

With smaller dpns, pick up & knit 42 sts in the round.
Knit four rows.

THUMB GUSSET:
Row 1: k3, pm, k1, m1R, k1, m1L, k1, pm, knit to end of row
Row 2: k all sts
Row 3: k3, sm, k1, m1R, k until 1 st before marker, m1L, k1, sm, knit to end of row
Row 4: k all sts

Rpt rows 3 & 4 until you have a total of 17 sts between the markers.

Next row: k3, remove marker, k1, slip 15 sts onto stitch holder (or scrap yarn), CO 4 sts using backwards loop method, k1, remove marker, knit to end of row.
K all sts until work measures 3″ from thumb sts on holder.
Work 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for four rows, then bind off in pattern.
Weave yarn through last st and weave in end.

FINISHING THE THUMB:
With dpns, pick up the 15 sts from holder, 1 st on the side of the thumb, the four CO sts, as well as 1 st on the other side of the thumb (21 sts).
K all sts until thumb measures 1.25″ from tip of thumb.
Next row: (k5, k2tog) around (18 sts).
Next row: k all sts
Work 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 3 rows, then bind off in pattern.
Weave yarn through last st and weave in end.

Be sure to check out my other designs here!

Kylen

WIP: Bray Sweater & Toe-up Socks

This is my Bray sweater (pattern by Jared Flood).
I’m super excited about it because I got 13 skeins of this KnitPicks Swish Worsted yarn for $25 total at Knit One’s stash sale in September!!!
All the pieces are done, so all I have left to do are blocking, seaming, and picking up and knitting around the neck.
So far I have one side seamed. Can I just tell you how much I despise seaming? A LOT.

Also, remember my toe-up socks from last week’s WIP? Well I have done the heel and am about 3″ up the leg! It’s the perfect small project to carry in my purse.

What are you working on? Has anyone made Bray before?

*Kylen

WIP Wednesday: Toe-up socks

I’ve just started some dk weight toe-up socks in preparation for the toe-up class I’ll be teaching this summer. They’ve got a 6-stitch cable, and two twists. I’m excited to see how they turn out!

What are you guys working on?!

Kylen

New pattern: Wynter Headband

MATERIALS:
1 skein bulky weight yarn
(I used Classic Elite Yarns: Wynter in 7613 Black)
size 9 needles
crochet hook
scrap yarn
tapestry needle

GAUGE:
6 sts & 5 rows = 1 inch

PATTERN:
Do a provisional cast on (chain 15 sts).
Knit into first 7 sts, turn.
Row 1(RS): k1, *p1, k1.
Row 2(WS): p1, *k1, p1.

Repeat these two rows for a total of 6 rows.
Cut yarn.

With WS facing, knit into last 7 sts on chain.
Work same as first side, for a total of 6 rows.

Now you will be working over both 7 st sections, joining them together.
Row 7 (RS): (k1, p1) 3 times, kfb, k1, (p1, k1) 3 times.
Row 8 (WS): Work in rib patt (k the knits & p the purls).
Row 9 (RS): Work over 7 sts in rib patt, m1R, p1, m1L, work last 7 sts in rib patt.
Row 10 (WS): Same as row 8.
Row 11 (RS): Work over 6 sts, kfb, k1, p1, kfb, work over last 7 sts.
Row 12 (WS): Same as rows 8 & 10.
**You now have a total of 19 sts.

Continue in rib patt until headband measures 15.75,” ending on a WS row.

Next row (RS): Work 8 sts in rib patt, k2tog, p1, ssk, work 8 sts.
(WS): Work in rib patt (k the knits & p the purls).
(RS): Work 6 sts, k2tog, p1, ssk, work 6 sts.
(WS): Work in rib patt (k the knits & p the purls).

You will now be dividing the headband into separate pieces, so that it looks the same as the cast-on edge.
(RS): Work 6 sts, k2tog, work 7 sts.
(WS): Work 7 sts, turn.
Row 1(RS): k1, *p1, k1.
Row 2(WS): p1, *k1, p1.

Work for a total of 6 rows, ending with a RS row.
Cut yarn and move to other side, starting on a WS row.
Work for a total of 6 rows, ending with a RS row.
Kitchener these two ends together.

Now take one of the sides at the cast-on edge and put it through the hole at the end of the headband. Loop the symmetrical side around and kitchener them shut. Weave in ends. Ta-da!

New pattern: Chicago Hat

This is called Chicago hat because the majority of it was made on my most recent trip to the Windy City. It is a quick and easy knit with a broken rib pattern, and an i-cord tail on top.

MATERIALS:
2 skeins fingering weight yarn in contrasting colors
(I used Baa Ram Ewe Titus in Aire and Classic Elite Mohawk in 3306 Oatmeal)
16″ circular needles in sizes 4 (3.5 mm) and 6 (4.0 mm)
double pointed needles in size 6 (4.0 mm)
tapestry needle
stitch marker

PATTERN:
With smaller needles, CO 110 sts using both strands of yarn together
Begin 1×1 rib : *p1, k1 around
Repeat until hat measures 2″

Switch to larger needles and work in a broken rib pattern:
Row 1: k all sts
Row 2: *p1, k1 around

Repeat these 2 rows until hat measures 6.5″ ending with row 2

Decrease rows:
Row 1:   *k8, k2tog around
Row 2:   *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2 around
Row 3:   *k7, k2tog around
Row 4:   *p1, k1 around
Row 5:   *k6, k2tog around
Row 6:   *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2 around
Row 7:   *k5, k2tog around
Row 8:   *p1, k1 around
Row 9:   *k4, k2tog around
Row 10: *p1, k1, p1, k2 around
Rpw 11: *k3, k2tog around
Row 12: *p1, k1, k2tog around
Row 13: *k1, k2tog around
Row 14: *k2tog around
Row 15: *k2tog around
Row 16: *k2tog around

You should now have only 3 sts left. Make 1/2″ i-cord tail on top of hat, then knot and fold downward to create small loop. Bring end through to inside and weave in ends with tapestry needle.

New pattern: Double Knit Tie

I made this tie for my boyfriend as a holiday gift, and I really like how it turned out! I chose the Pale Silver Heather and Dark Heather Gray yarns because I figured they allowed for him to wear it with most of his formal attire. 

The pattern is below. This tie will fit a person of any size. If you would like to make it narrower or wider, change the number of sts accordingly.

MATERIALS
2 skeins DK weight yarn, in different colors (I used Filatura Di Crosa Zara yarn (137 yds) in : 1469 Dark Heather Gray (MC) and 1667 Pale Silver Heather (CC)).
Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles
Crochet hook
20″ strand of scrap yarn

For this pattern, you will be using a somewhat difficult technique to knit the tie, called double knitting. Here is a tutorial in case you are unfamiliar.

Use a provisional cast-on with a scrap piece of yarn, knitting into each provisional stitch with both strands of yarn (MC + CC) together. CO 12 sts with both strands, for a total of 24 single sts.
Arrange your sts so that they alternate colors (MC, CC, MC, CC, MC, CC)
Your knits will be one color, and your purls, the other color.
Every row will be: *k1, p1; rpt from * to end of rnd
NOTE : Be sure to twist the two strands of yarn around each other at the end of each row in order to close the gap.

BODY OF TIE
Row 1: k with MC into MC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with CC into CC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with MC into MC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.
Row 2: k with CC into CC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with MC into MC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with CC into CC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.

*Repeat these two rows five times.*

Row 11: You will now be doing a stripe of the opposite color. Where you usually knit with the MC, you’ll knit with the CC, and vice versa. So, k with CC into MC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with MC into CC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with CC into MC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.

Row 12: Knit with MC into MC st and with CC into CC st, as you did in rows 1-10.

Row 13: k with MC into CC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with CC into MC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with MC into CC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.

Row 14: Knit with MC into MC st and with CC into CC st, as you did in rows 1-10.

*Repeat these 14 rows until tie measures 57-60″, depending on the height of the individual.*

POINT OF TIE
Divide sts onto two dpns
Instead of double knitting, knit these sides separately.

Row 1: Needle 1 (with MC)- k1, ssk, k until last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat on Needle 2 with CC. Then, twist strands together before next rnd.
Row 2: Needle 1 (with MC) – purl all sts with MC. Repeat on Needle 2 with CC. Then, twist strands together before next rnd.

Repeat these two rows until you have only four stitches left on each needle.
Next row: k2tog twice on each needle.
Next row: k2tog
Next row: knit the last two sts together.
Last row: knit together last stitch from both needles.
Cut yarn and thread through remaining st.

FINISHING
Take out provisional cast-on at beginning of tie and use Kitchener stitch to graft the sts together.

Cut yarn and weave in ends. Block.

Feel free to comment with questions!

Kylen

WIP Wednesday

A friend and I are doing a knit-a-long with the Short Row Sweater from purlbee.com. I am using Berroco Fiora in Buford  (3818).

I am knitting size M/L, while also lengthening it as I go. I’m a little worried for the end product since this yarn is 40% cotton and has the potential to stretch. But fingers crossed!

It’s a lot of stockinette, but the wrap and turns each row keep things interesting. It has a very interesting construction which I cannot wait to do! This is a great project to do while in front of the TV. (I’ve been knitting it on the bus). I am about 75 % of the way to the armholes!
Check back in the upcoming weeks to see my progress.

What are you guys working on?

Kylen

Why You Should Take Up Knitting in 2015

Bringing in the New Year means making resolutions. Some that we end up keeping, and some that we don’t. Knitting however, is a resolution you should make and keep this year. Here’s why.

Knitting is portable.
You know those times when you’re bored out of your mind stuck in the waiting room at your doctor’s office? Yeah. Well, you could be doing something productive instead of wasting precious time. You could be knitting a hat for your friend, or for yourself, or for your dog! It’s up to you! Don’t like football? Me neither. During the super bowl, you can both knit and eat snacks while everyone is yelling at the TV. It’s just great.

Hand-knits make great gifts.
I bet you that almost everyone likes handmade things. Almost all of my holiday gifts this year are handmade. Not only do you save money this way, but you also tend to get great responses. When someone receives a hand-knit item, they know that you put a lot of time and effort into the gift.

It’s good for your health! 
Check out this article!

Knitters are the nicest.
No, but seriously. They are.

There’s a cool history behind it.
Knitting used to be a man’s trade, but eventually became something that women did in order to provide clothing for their families. Now, all kinds of people are knitting! If you’re into learning more about the history of knitting, I’d recommend reading No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting by Anne MacDonald.

It can be art/used for political protest!
There are so many cool projects that have gone on recently, including Pittsburgh’s own Knit the Bridge project! I’ve also seen yarn-bombing all over the place, and making statements about social issues as political protest.

You will never be alone.
There are yarn stores everywhere. The knitting group I belong to on facebook has 32,597 members right now. Ravelry.com has 4 million members. If you ever need help, you’re not alone.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Let me know!
Kylen