Tag Archives: Knitting

Hey everyone! These two hats went live months ago and I realized I’d not done a post. So here they are!

Both are unisex adult hats featured fun textured patterns. They’re quick to knit and make great gifts.

Here are the details on the two hats.

Janie’s Chevron Hat

This slouchy unisex hat, with or without the optional pom pom, is all about texture and comfort.

The seed stitch chevron and diamonds pattern is enough to keep your interest, and to show off the lovely yarn, but isn’t too complicated.

This hat is a companion to my short story, The Fabric of the Stitches. In that story, Janie works on a hat pattern while recovering from a horrible loss. This is a variation of her first version, Janie’s Diamond Hat.

Sizes
Unisex S (M, L), to fit 20 (22, 24)“ / 51 (56, 61) cm head circumference

Finished Measurements
Head circumference:
19¾ (21¾, 24)“ / 50 (55.5, 61) cm
Height including brim: 9¼ (9¾, 10¾)” / 23 (25, 27.5) cm

Yarn
The Yarn Collective Hudson Worsted, 100% Merino Wool (219 yds / 200 m per 3.53 oz / 100 g), 1 (2, 2) skein(s) (186 (214, 261) yds / 171 (196, 239) m), shown in Size Small in Natural.

Needles
US 6 / 4 mm, or size needed to obtain gauge
US 5 / 3.75 mm, or one size smaller than size needed to obtain gauge, for ribbing
US 4 / 3.5 mm or one size smaller than needles ribbing, for tubular cast on
Your choice of circular needles or DPNs for working in the round

Gauge
24 sts and 36 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in St st with larger needles

Notions
(4) stitch markers, (1) unique for beginning of round; yarn needle; waste yarn if doing tubular cast on

Skills
working in the round, increases, decreases
Both Chart and Line by Line instructions provided

Janie’s Diamonds Hat

This unisex slouchy hat features a center band of large seed stitch diamonds with bands of smaller purl diamonds above and below.

Use handpainted yarn for a colorful hat with hints of textures, or a solid yarn for more distinct patterns.

This hat is a companion to my short story, The Fabric of the Stitches. In that story, Janie works on a hat pattern while recovering from a horrible loss. A variation, Janie’s Chevron Hat, also available, features both chevrons and diamonds.

Sizes
Unisex S (M, L), to fit 20 (22, 24)“ / 51 (56, 61) cm head circumference

Finished Measurements
Head circumference:
19¾ (21¾, 24)“ / 50 (55.5, 61) cm
Height including brim: 9¼ (9¾, 10¾)” / 23 (25, 27.5) cm

Yarn
The Yarn Collective Pembroke Worsted, 100% Merino Wool (219 yds / 200 m per 3.53 oz / 100 g), 1 skein (143 (164, 195) yds / 131 (150, 179) m), shown in Size Small in Carnelian.

Needles
US 6 / 4 mm, or size needed to obtain gauge
US 5 / 3.75 mm, or one size smaller than size needed to obtain gauge, for ribbing
US 4 / 3.5 mm or one size smaller than needles ribbing, for tubular cast on
Your choice of circular needles or DPNs for working in the round

Gauge
22 sts and 32 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in St st with largest needles

Notions
(6) stitch markers, (1) unique for beginning of round; yarn needle; waste yarn if doing tubular cast on; pom pom maker for optional pom pom

Skills
working in the round, increases, decreases
Both Chart and Line by Line instructions provided

The Indie Design Gift-A-Long, aka GAL2019, is starting a little later this year! It will run Tuesday, November 26th at 8 pm (US-EST) through Tuesday December 31st at midnight (US-EST).

Prizes galore (patterns, books, yarn, and more) will be available. I’ve donated e-books of Beachwalk Knits, Winery Knits, and Hitch: Patterns Inspired by the Films of Alfred Hitchcock; and of course, there will be Ravelry patterns to win as well!

286 indie designers are participating this year. To join in the gift-a-long, simply knit or crochet any of their paid patterns and post all the required info in the appropriate thread in the group here.

From Tuesday November 26th at 8pm (US-EST) through Monday December 2nd at 11:59 pm (US-EST) the participating indie designers will be discounting between 10 – 20 of their patterns 25% for this event. Use coupon code: giftalong2019

I have 19 patterns chosen for the sale — you can get a peek at some of them in this pic:

I’ve focused on shawls and cowls this year for my sale bundle.

But don’t forget — any paid design by any of the participating indie designers are eligible for the GAL, not just the sale patterns!

It’s Gansey time!

I wanted to play with this sort of knit-on-the-bias bandanna cowl construction. I chose to address texture, rather than color, in this unisex piece.

Easier to wear than a shawl, just toss it on and go.

This is a fast, fun knit, great for gifts. Enjoy!

One Size

Finished Measurements
Height (from top of cowl to bottom corner): 26” / 66 cm
Circumference: 26” / 66 cm

Yarn
Anzula Katara, 50% Merino Wool / 50% Yak (98 yds / 90 m per 1.76 oz / 50 g), 5 skeins (sample used 450 yds / 411 m), shown in Chiva.

Needles
US 6 / 4 mm (your choice straight or circular), or size to obtain gauge
US 6 / 4 mm DPN for Applied I Cord

Gauge
20 sts and 32 rows over 4” / 10 cm in textured patterns, blocked
Gauge is important. Alterations in gauge will affect yarn requirements and finished size.

Notions
yarn needle
stitchmarkers as desired

Skills
Applied I cord (directions given)
Grafting (only 6 sts), can sew if desired instead
Mattress stitch
Both charts and line by line instructions are provided

One of the things I love about the GAL is seeing other designer’s patterns.

Here are some of the patterns that leaped out at me! With thousands of patterns, it’s hard to choose just a few.

Fabulous Flats by BekahKnits.  Find Rebekah on Ravelry as RebekahJoy, and check out all her designs here!

I really want to knit up a pair of these for my mom. If I can get these done for the GAL, I’ll feel successful as a knitter! (I’m in awe of those who do the Opadoo!)

Chamomile Dreams by Susanna Winter. Find Susanna on Ravelry as Talvi, and check out all her designs here!

I love the interplay of the different colors and stitch patterns.

Arctic Blizzard by Katrine Birkenwasser. Find Katrine on Ravelry as birkenwasser, and check out all her designs here!

Beautiful random snowflakes? Flipping the charts for added interest? Bring it on!

Bramble Birds by Sara Huntington Burch. Find Sara on Ravelry as DinosaraKnits, and check out all her designs here!

Did you notice each framed bit of the stranding features a different bird? How awesome is that??? Also, check out Sara’s pattern page to see the gorgeous decrease pattern for the top of the hat.

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

This lovely pullover features a pretty aran lace sleeve detail, flattering v neck, and split hem. It’s a three to four season knit, depending on where you live!

The sweater is knit from the top down, with stitches picked up from the shoulder straps, front and back joined at the armholes, and the garment continued in one piece.

The sleeves are worked by picking up stitches along the armhole, working short rows for the cap shaping, then continuing in the round.

Both charts and line by line instructions for charts are provided.

Sizes
Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

To fit bust: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)“ / 71 (81.5, 91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132) cm with 3-4” / 7.5-10 cm of ease

Finished Measurements
Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)“ / 81.5 (91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132, 142) cm

Length: 20½ (20¾, 21¾, 22¼, 23¼, 24¼, 24¾)“ / 51.5 (52.5, 55, 56.5, 58.5, 61.5, 62.5) cm
Shown in size 2X

See schematic for full measurements.

Yarn
The Fibre Company Luma, 50% wool, 25% cotton, 15% linen, 10% silk (137 yds / 120 m per 1.76oz / 50g), 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins approx 778 (863, 992, 1118, 1247, 1439, 1611) yds / 711 (789, 907, 1022, 1140, 1316, 1473) m
Shown in Chambray.

Needles
US 5 / 3.75 mm needles or size needed to obtain gauge
US 4 / 3.5 mm DPNs for I-cord

Gauge
20 sts and 32 rows / rounds in 4” / 10 cm in Spot Stitch

Notions
(4) stitch markers; waste yarn or stitch holders; cable needle; yarn needle

Skills
cabling, picking up stitches, short row shaping, I-cord and applied I-cord

both charts and line by line instructions for the charts are provided

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Steph: Have you participated as a designer before this year? If yes, what’s your favorite favorite part of the GAL?

I participated as a designer for the first time last year and loved it! My favorite part is just the amazing amount of energy and excitement everyone has towards knitting gifts… for others or themselves! I love how the GAL combines a maker’s love for making with the fun of doing it together! (Seeing everyone’s projects coming together is so fun!)

Are you participating as a knitter/crocheter? if no, what would you, had you the time?

I really had hoped to participate this year, but my designer side got the better of me and so while I am over here knitting gifts for sweet new babies… I’m designing them. If I had all the time in the world, though, I would definitely knit myself a new sweater… it’s been too long! Sarah Cooke’s“(Grown Up) Silver Birch” is a lovely, cabled cardigan that I came across via the GAL, and she even has a matching kids’ version that gets me since I’ve got little ones. Too much! (She has a number of other great designs, too, in her bundle for the GAL!)

Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?

It depends on who you are knitting for and how much time you have! For last minute gifts, my “Cuppa Cozy” pattern makes a great tea or coffee themed gift and my “Jar Topper Washcloth” not only is cute and practical, but looks super cute on top of a mason jar filled with a cookie mix! If you have more time, slippers always make perfect gift and my “Modern Mocs” come in sizes to fit the whole family!

Oh, those are great! I also love your 3-in-1 Button Boots and Fabulous Flats (I hope to make the latter for the GAL).

Thanks for being interviewed!

photos © Bekah Knits

Find Rebekah on Ravelry as RebekahJoy, and check out all her designs here!  She also has a website here.

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Steph: Have you participated as a designer before this year? And are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting?

Katrine: This is my third year participating as a designer. It’s great to see knitters working with my patterns! However, for me the best part of the GAL is to discover new to me designers, and getting to knit from their patterns. It’s so relaxing to knit when someone else has done the math You also learn from others, how they write their patterns and sometimes new techniques also. This year, I started with Fouilloy Cowl by Kathleen Sperling, and I learned how to do long tail cast-on using two colors from that pattern. Looking forward to learning much more and enjoying the knitting and chatting in the GAL group!

Anything else you’re planning on knitting?

Since the first time I participated in the GAL, I have been hoping to tame the opadoo. I haven’t succeeded yet, but I’m not letting it keep me from trying! I don’t have the whole opadoo planned, but I have started the mentioned cowl and Trooper sweater by ChristalLittleK. For hands I’m making Reune mitts by Jean Clement, and for shawl I have your Breakwater!

Wow! I’m super impressed by anyone tackling the opadoo (knitting or crocheting an item in each category), let alone a designer, knowing how much knitting you probably already have on your plate. And thanks for picking one of my patterns, I’m honored!!

Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?

My patterns are for knitters who like to knit stylish items that they will love to wear, but I also want the making to be interesting. Usually, this means that my patterns don’t fall into the “quick gifts” category. But if you have knitworthy gift recipients, then the Kaiku wrap would be a minimalistic design to fit many tastes and has a fun construction. The Liinu shawl also has a fun construction and it lets you play with colors and lace. If Vikkel braids are a new technique for you, then my Tauride shawl will teach you how to make them and it will also give you plenty of practice for them.

I’m with you, I like things to be interesting And I really love your Arctic Blizzard Socks!

Thanks for being interviewed!

photos © Katrine Birkenwasser

Find Katrine on Ravelry as birkenwasser, and check out all her designs here!  She also has a website and podcast here.

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!