Moorish Lattice Hat

Moorish Lattice Hat

Okay, I made a very similar version of this exact hat last year, for someone's Christmas gift. And when I discovered that it had been loved to the point of falling apart, I figured it was time to make a new one, and this time write the pattern down. I hope you enjoy it as much as the recipient!

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande (100% Baby Alpaca; 110 yards (100 grams); #701 Ink Melange – one skein

The back!

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size US 10.5, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size US 10.5

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 12 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using circular needle, cast on 72 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Next, work 1.5" in a k1, p1 ribbing. Once the ribbing is done, we'll get down to business. And the pattern we'll be using is Moorish Lattice from page 232 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, which I've adapted for the round. So let's get started!

First, we'll knit three set-up rows, which go as follows:

Set-up rows 1 - 3: * p3, k3; rep from *

Rib & Cable Hat

Rib & Cable Hat

The name isn't flashy but the hat looks pretty darn good anyway; pairing cables which jump ribs and, well, ribbing, this thing squeezes up tight until you're ready to stick it on your head. Yeah, I have no idea what I'm talking about. So let's just make a hat already!

The finishing!

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 130 yards [120 meters]/100 grams); #6176 Pumpkin – one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 10, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10, and a cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Cast on 80 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Now we're going to work a ribbing row, which looks like so:

Ribbing row: * p1, k2, p1, (k1, p2, k1, p1) twice, k2; rep from *

Ribbed Shell Cowl

Ribbed Shell Cowl

I've been in love with this yarn since the minute I saw it, which must have been a while ago considering it seems to be discontinued. Nevertheless, any similar-weight yarn with a decent drape to it should knit up in this pattern nicely. And this pattern also has a few nice features, like the fan-like drape of the corner of it, as well as the large ribs.

And another picture, this time from
the other side!

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Suri Silk (80% Baby Suri Alpaca, 20% Silk; 218 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); color #20 – one skein

Needles: Straight needles in size 6 (or a circular needle in size 6, but worked back and forth), cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 6 needles

So let's get started! First, cast on 33 stitches loosely. And then we’ll begin the pattern, although we’ll need the following notation to continue:

bc (back cross): slide three stitches to cn and hold in back; knit three, knit three from cn

So let’s do this thing!

Braid-Edged Cowl

Braid-Edged Cowl

Here's a fairly simply cowl that relies on cabling, ribbing, and garter stitch to create a crisp design. And yeah, that's all I've got...

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #3777 African Violet - 1 skein

Needles: Straight needles in size 6 (or a circular needle, but worked back and forth)

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle (cn) or extra double-pointed needle for cabling, two stitch markers

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

First, cast on 25 stitches loosely. Also, you'll need the following notation to do the pattern:

fc (front cross): slide three stitches to cn, hold in front, and knit three. Then, knit the three stitches from your cn.

bc (back cross): slide three stitches to cn, hold in back, and knit three. Then, knit the three stitches from your cn.

Twisted Rib Hat

Twisted Rib Hat

Okay folks, here we have another sale yarn special, born from a great deal at the back rack of a Wisconsin Craft Market. That being said, I think this turned into a fairly attractive, gender-neutral beanie which pairs vertical ribbing with ever-so-slight horizontal stripes of slouch. And it's got a nice finishing. That counts for something, right?

The pattern, with its subtle twisted ribs

Yarn: Berroco Blackstone Tweed Chunky (65% Wool, 25% Superkid Mohair, 10% Angora Rabbit Hair; 60 yards [55 meters]/50 grams); #6607 Wintry Mix - 2 skeins

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 10.5, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10.5

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or scrap yarn to mark row

Gauge: 13 stitches = 4 inches

Note (2/03/14): Since I made this hat for my husband, I've been able to observe how it wears. And while it's his favorite hat, it's also gotten looser with time, so I recommend knitting at least the band with a smaller needle size (size 9 or 10), for fit. The whole thing could also be knit on a size 10 needle if you prefer a slightly more snug hat.

So let's get started. Using your circular needle, cast on 72 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Knit five rows of the following ribbing row before moving on to the main pattern:

Diamond Pompom Hat

Diamond Pompom Hat

If you've checked out my blog before, you know that every other pattern I've posted has been free. As a small attempt at some revenue with which to keep buying yarns, I'm offering this pattern for $1. You can expect to see many more free patterns from me in the future, and I totally get it if that's all you're interested in (economy! yarn is already expensive! there are so many nice free things out there anyway!). If you like this pattern and have an extra buck to spare, though, you can purchase it on Ravelry.



Here are the basics, if you're considering it...

Blister Stitch Hat

Blister Stitch Hat

I know, I know, it's high damn time that I made a multi-color piece. And here's what I came up with: a slightly goofy, slouchy, pom-pom bedecked ski bunny hat with all kinds of fun details: a cabled band! wee bubbles! Easter colors! etc. So let's get to it.

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #910A Winter White - one skein (main color), #1973 Seafoam Heather - just a bit (accent color 1), #834 Strawberry Pink - just a bit (accent color 2), #1942 Mint - just a bit (accent color 3), and #820 Lemon - just a bit (accent color 4)

Dude! Let's view it from the back.

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 6, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 6

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle (dpn) for cabling, 3 stitch markers or yarn scraps, 3 1/2" or 5/8" buttons, and a needle and thread with which to attach them

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches

Okie-doke, so this hat is a two-parter, and we're going to begin with the band, which is knit back and forth. Of course, I'm still using my circular needles, but that's a matter of personal preference.

ANYWAY, to knit the band you'll start by casting on 18 stitches with your main-color yarn. Also, we'll be knitting a very tiny variation on the loose five-rib braid from page 169 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. So we'll start with some notation, move on to a couple of set-up rows that include buttonholes, and then we'll get down to business.

Zigzag Cowl

Zigzag Cowl

Okay, last year I knit my mother a cowl out of a different color of this same yarn, and I was very impressed by its airy texture and attractive folding. So when I saw another color, especially one with such nice earth tones, I had to get it and try again. This particular cowl is really dang wide (roughly 15" - which makes it layer so nicely), and this variegated yarn suits it perfectly, creating delicate and even stripes. I chose to knit it on the shorter side so that it would sit close to the neck and keep a person warm, but with a few more inches of length it would suit warmer temperatures as well. And it's just so pretty!

The pattern

Yarn: Berroco Comfort Sock (50% Super Fine Nylon, 50% Super Fine Acrylic; 447 yards [412 meters]/100 grams); #1814 Dunedin - one skein

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 3 (fine, I knit it on a 16" circular needle, but that's because I can't stand straights. It's a back-and-forth knit either way)

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 30 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Cast on 80 stitches (you can cast on less, as long as you cast on an even number, if you don't want your piece to be quite as wide. you will lose volume, however). And now, let's begin the pattern, which is Zigzag Lace Trellis from page 190 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

Row 1 (wrong side) & all other odd rows: purl

Rows 2, 4, and 6: k1, * yo, k2tog; rep from *, end k1

Rows 8, 10, and 12: k1, * ssk, yo *, end k1

V-Neck Cowl

V-Neck Cowl

Okay, so I began this cowl with the idea that it would be more roundish, but I ended up really loving the V-shape, especially when I embellished the bottom (close-up pictures later). I also love the way this yarn knits, drapes, and feels, and this pattern ended up being a good statement piece. If, you know, you're trying to say, "I like to knit V-neck cowls."

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #3705 Heathered Pansy - one skein

Needles: Straight or longish circular needle(s) in size 6 and two double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 6 (or 5, or whatever's close that you've got hanging around).

Notions: Tapestry needle and stitch marker

Notions for optional embellishment: enough beads to do what you want to do, a needle small enough to fit through their little holes, and thread in a color that works with your piece

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Okay, so let's get started! First, cast on 162 stitches. Next, knit one set-up row (this will be the wrong side of your piece), placing your marker after 81 stitches. And now it's time to begin the pattern, which goes as follows:

Swiss Fan Cowl

Swiss Fan Cowl

Okay, here's another basic cowl, with a bit of added interest due to the scalloped cast-on edge (yes, it looks better upside down). And yeah, that's all I've got in the way of introduction...

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #9442 Baby Rose - one skein

A close-up of the pattern.

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 7

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round 

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 7 needles

Loosely cast on 126 stitches, place marker, and join in round. The design we'll be knitting is a variation of the Swiss Fan pattern, from page 324 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, and goes as follows:

Row 1: * p1, k7, p1; rep from *

Rows 2 & 6: * p1, ssk, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, k2tog, p1 *

Rows 3 & 7: * p1, k9, p1 *

Rows 4 & 8: * p1, ssk, k5, k2tog, p1 *

Rows 5 & 9: * p1, k7, p1 *

Rows 10 & 11: purl

Knit Rows 1 - 11 four times through, and then knit Rows 1 - 8 once more. Bind off loosely. Finally, tuck in ends, 'cause you're done.

Dewdrop Cowl

Dewdrop Cowl

If you've looked at a few of my patterns, you've probably already figured out that I love a cowl (so efficient! good for bicycling! less yarn! etc). So here's a basic but interesting design, worked with worsted weight yarn and a pattern that never gets more complicated than a sl1-k2tog-psso. Overall, I think it's a decent design for a variegated yarn, and easy to work.

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Colors (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 217 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #5222 Oasis - one skein

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 7

The pattern

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round 

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 7 needles

So let's get started! Cast on 138 stitches, place marker, and join in round. And now we'll proceed in Dewdrop Pattern, from page 149 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, which I've adapted for the round:

Rows 1 - 3: * k3, p3; rep from * 

Row 4: * yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k3 *

Rows 5 - 7: * p3, k3 *

Row 8: * k3, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo *

Arrow Hat

Arrow Hat

Once again, I bought this yarn because it was on sale, and once again, I'm thrilled with my decision! Not only does this yarn knit up nicely, and with a good drape-y texture, after all, but it also doesn't chafe the fingers despite being all animal fibers. Furthermore, there's enough on the skein for a good project, so much so that I totally wasn't even close to running out by the end of this hat. Huzzah!

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Tonal (50% Alpaca, 50% Wool; 215 yards [198 meters]/100 grams); #6321 (purple) - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 8 (go to a size 7 if you want a tighter band), one 16" circular needle in size 10, and one set of double pointed needles (dpns) in size 10

The pattern

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round 

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 8 needles

So let's get started! Using the size 8 (or 7) circular needle, cast on 108 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Next, knit in a k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch, then switch to your size 10 circular needle and we'll move on to the main pattern, which is an adaptation of Arrow Pattern from page 273 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (I added a stitch, and rewrote it for the round). Anyway, it goes as follows:

Row 1 (and all other odd rows): knit

Row 2: * yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k2 *

Chunky Triangle Rib Hat

Chunky Triangle Rib Hat

I've been eyeing this yarn for a while, but it took it finally going on sale for me to buy it (I think this color is discontinued). And once I brought it home, I knew that I needed to make a pattern simple enough that the variegation and chunkiness wouldn't hide the design. So here's what I came up with. Incidentally, I gave it the slouchy shape because I had enough yarn to do it; if you prefer a more traditional beanie shape, repeat the main pattern 6 times instead of 9, and the work the decreases as stated. Also, if you have a 16" circular needle in a 10 1/2 or a 10, you may want to work the ribbed band in that instead of the size 11, if you want it to fit tighter.

Yarn: Berroco Borealis (60% Acrylic, 40% Wool; 108 yards [100 meters]/100 grams); #5079 Hekla - 1 skein 


A close-up of the pattern.

Needles: one 16" circular needle in size #11, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size #11

Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: 12 stitches = 4 inches

Using circular needle, cast on 70 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Knit 4 rows in a (k1, p1, k1, p2) ribbing. Then we'll move on to the main pattern, which goes like so:

Row 1: * yo, k3tog, yo, p2; rep from *

Rows 2 & 3: * k3, p2 *

Tilting Ladder Hat

Tilting Ladder Hat

Okay, so I made a hat like this for myself nearly a year ago, but, like a genius, I didn't write down the pattern. Then I didn't have any chunky yarn. Finally, however, I bought some and recreated the hat, as I think it's a really fun to knit, fast, and interesting pattern that's a nice weight for fall (with the holes and all). So let's get to it!

Yarn: Bernat Alpaca (70% Acrylic, 30% Alpaca; 120 yards [110 meters]/100 grams); #93310 Plum - 1 skein 


Needles: one 16" circular needle in size #10, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size #10, cable needle (cn) or dpn for cabling

The finishing

Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: 15 stitches = 4 inches

Using circular needle, cast on 78 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Work 6 rows in a ribbing, which goes like so:

Ribbing row: * (k1, p1) five times, k1, p2 *

Once your six ribbing rows are complete, it's time to move to the Tilting Ladder pattern, which comes from page 210 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. It also goes as follows (after being adapted for the round, of course):

Row 1: * k5, p1, k5, p2 *

Row 2: * k5, p1, k1, (yo, k2tog) twice, p2 *

Bear Track Cowl

Bear Track Cowl

Okay, I bought a bunch of skeins of this yarn a loooong time ago, back when I could afford it (also, the local yarn shop was changing hands so it was on sale). And while I've knit it up a couple of different ways, I think that the bear track pattern on this one suits the yarn's variegation and thick-to-thin worsted weight well, although you should note that if you knit it with an unchanging worsted it won't have quite the same funkiness (post pictures if you do, also - I'm curious). Anyway, let's get to it!

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Baby Me Boo (50% Baby Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Bamboo; 174 yards [160 meters]/100 grams); #BBH07 Rosario - 1 skein (however, I've developed an uncanny knack for finishing up a skein with little to spare, so if you're a looser knitter, you may want to have two skeins on hand. On the flip side, since this pattern ends with I-cords, you could always use something like ribbon to tie up the cowl if you run out)


Needles: one set of straight needles in size 7, two double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 7

Close-up of the pattern.
It doesn't pop too much with the
yarn's variegation, but it does add texture.

Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches

Okay, to knit this piece we're going to start with the center bit (we'll pick up stitches along the edges to do the around-the-neck parts). So, using size 7 needles, cast on 81 stitches. The center piece will be knit in the Bear Track pattern, from page 225 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, and goes as follows:

Row 1 (right side): k1, * yo, (k1, p1) 7 times, k1, yo, k1; rep from *

Row 2: k1, * p2, (k1, p1) 7 times, p1, k1 *

Row 3: k2, * yo, (k1, p1) 7 times, k1, yo, k3 *, end last repeat k2

Row 4: k2, * p2, (k1, p1) 7 times, p1, k3 *, end last repeat k2

Sunburst Cowl

Sunburst Cowl

If you've poked around my blog at all, you already probably know that I love a good cowl (so efficient! harder for the kids to tug on! never has ends that could dangle in a toilet!, etc). And this is another design, made with sock yarn since that's what I've got hanging around. It's also easy to style in a couple of different shapes, and has a nice, lightweight appearance overall. Well, and yours doesn't have to be yellow...

Oh, and before we get started, I highly recommend you read through the pattern before beginning, just so you know how many repeats of different stitch sets we'll be doing!

Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock (100% Superwash Merino; 191 yards [175 meters]/50 grams); #1900 Bright Canary Yellow - one skein


Needles: one 24" circular needle in size 4

The ol' pattern close-up.  Notice the holes.

Notions: tapestry needle, three stitch markers or scraps of yarn to mark stitches

Gauge: 26 stitches = 4 inches

To get started, we're going to cast on 198 stitches, place marker, and join in a round. Next, we're going to place the other two markers like so - k30, place another marker, p138, place another marker, and knit to beginning of row (30 stitches).

And now it's time to knit exactly ONE repeat of the main pattern, which goes as follows (we'll return to it later in the piece, although we're gonna do some short rows before we get back to it):

Row 1: p30, slip marker, * k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * until you reach the next marker, slip marker, p30

Rows 2 & 4: k30, slip marker, *k1, p1, k1 * until next marker, slip marker, k30

Row 3: p30, slip marker, * k1, yo, k2tog * until you reach the next marker, slip marker, p30

Handkerchief Cowl

Handkerchief Cowl

Okay, let's be real here.  For some ridiculous reason, I only bought one skein of this yarn, and I bought it on vacation, so I couldn't exactly pop to the store for another.  And that has seriously limited the yarn's utility, although a combination of my small neck and industriousness (I totally had to cut off the cast-on tail and use it to cast off; that's how low on yarn I was) has produced a decent result.  That being said, let's take a moment to talk about sizing!

As mentioned, I have a small neck.  I also have a healthy stash of scraps, so finding something else to make the I-cord to finish this beast was easy (I used the leftovers from the Arrowhead Lace Cowl).  However, I strongly, STRONGLY suggest having two skeins of yarn on hand to work this piece (or at least 100 yards), especially if your neck is any bigger than mine (12" around, by my husband's measure).  Furthermore, I suggest working the lace portion of this pattern to your neck's circumference, if not larger, for fit and comfort (the overall circumference of the piece is slightly larger, based on the positioning of the eyelets for the I-cord lacing, but not much).  Then you might even have enough yarn to work a matching I-cord!

Yarn: Cascade Luna (100% Peruvian Cotton; 82 yards [75 meters]/50 grams); #727 Coral - 1 - 2 skeins (2 highly recommended), plus some stash scrap yarn in a complimentary color, should you decide to knit the I-cord from a different material

A close-up of the closure

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 7, one cable needle (cn) or double pointed needle (dpn) for cabling, one set of dpns in size 7 for working the I-cord

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches

Let's get this party started!  First, cast on 12 stitches.  Now, we're immediately going to begin working a double cable (from page 243 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns), which goes as follows:

Rows 1, 3, 5, & 7 (wrong side): k2, p8, k2

Row 2: p2, slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold in back, k2, k2 from cn, slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold in front, k2, k2 from cn, p2

Rows 4, 6, & 8: p2, k8, p2

Spiral Column Cuff

Spiral Column Cuff.  And the door.

Okay, so my yarn stash is dwindling and I'm trying to come up with stuff I can make from the scrapple of things I've already made.  Or in other words: enter the Spiral Column Cuff, which I made with the leftovers from the Madeira Mesh Cowl.  Yay, it's a twofer!

Yarn: Berroco Linsey (64% Cotton, 36% Linen; 114 yards [105 meters]/50 grams); #6556 Shell - less than 1 skein 

Horribly offended by the lace-in-the-front proposition?
Guess what?!?!  You can also put it in the back!!!

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 6, two double-pointed needles (dpns) also in size 6 (for the i-cord, of course!)

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 21 stitches = 4 inches

Using your straight needles, cast on 32 stitches.  We're going to work a few eyelets for the lacing, so let's get started!

Set-up Row 1 (right side): p1, * k6, p2; rep from *; end p1 instead of p2

Set-up Row 2: k1, * p6, k2 *; end k1 instead of k2

Set-up Row 3: p1, * k1, k2tog, (yo) twice, ssk, k1, p2 *; end p1 instead of p2

Arrowhead Lace Cowl

Arrowhead Lace Cowl

The idea for this cowl has been brewing for some time now, and I finally got a yarn that seemed perfect for it (also, the fact that it's basically a worsted-weight cotton makes it knit up quickly, and have a nice, cozy weight).  Basically, it's buttoned in the back, with a ribbed section to go around the neck, and then it explodes into a wide lace bit for the front.  And it's really fun to knit, if I do say so myself.

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Sweet Caroline (100% Cotton; 76 yards [69 meters]/50 grams); #4021 White/Yellow - two skeins

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 7

Notions: Tapestry needle, 3 1/2" or 7/16" inch buttons, plus needle and thread if your yarn won't fit through the button holes

The pattern, yo.

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches

So let's get started!  Cast on 21 stitches, and work the first couple of rows to include buttonholes as follows:

Row 1 (right side): * k1, p1; repeat from *

Row 2: * p1, k1 *

Row 3 (buttonhole row): k1, k2tog, yo, (p1, k1) x 3, k2tog, yo, (p1, k1) x 3, p1, yo, ssk, k1

Continue to work fabric in a k1, p1 ribbing until piece measures about 4 inches in length, and you're just about to begin a right-side row.  Now it's time to work some short rows for shaping.

Dimpled Eyelet Hat

Dimpled Eyelet Hat

Okay, so here's the deal.  I made the Dimpled Eyelet Cowl and really liked the tiny section of the pattern that wasn't fully eyeleted (which came as a result of the circular knitting and such).  I've also had this sock yarn kicking around my stash for years now, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to use it.  Of course, as soon as I started making it, my four-year-old claimed it as his, which is why he insisted on being in many of the photos.  Even better, due to his enormous head and the hat's natural slouchiness, it fits everyone from a four-year-old to an adult!

Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock (100% Superwash Merino; 191 yards [175 meters]/50 grams); #51305 Zinnea - one skein, but I got WICKED close to the end on this one, so you will probably want slightly more yarn, or two skeins just in case


Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 3, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 3

A close-up of the pattern

Notions: one stitch marker or scrap of yarn, tapestry needle

Gauge: 28 stitches = 4 inches

Cast on 160 stitches, place marker, and join in round.  Next, knit one inch in the following ribbing pattern:

Ribbing pattern: * k1, p2, k1; repeat from *

And now it's time to switch to the main pattern, which goes as follows:

Row 1: * k2tog, (yo) twice, ssk *

Row 2: knit all stitches except double yo's, where you will p1 in first yo, and k1 in back loop of second yo

Rows 3 & 4: knit

Dimpled Eyelet Cowl

Dimpled Eyelet Cowl

Okay, I hate to sound like an orange-yarn-hating jerk here, but I'm SO GLAD I FINISHED KNITTING THE TWO SKEINS OF THIS STUFF I BOUGHT (since I already knit the Feather Lace Cowl and the Gathered Mesh Cowl out of the same yarn).  Pheee-eeeew.  And now that that's off my chest, let's talk about the pattern.  At heart, this thing is based on an upside-down picot eyelet, and it's knit from the top down with stitches added every other row for shape (this also helps stagger the eyelet pattern).  It's a shape that's been brewing in my head for awhile now too, so I'm glad it's finally come to fruition.  It's also got a very lovely texture!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Sateen (100% Acrylic; 300.7 yards [275 meters]/100 grams); #24 Orange Poppy - one skein


Ze pattern, mes amis.

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 4

Notions: two stitch markers or scraps of yarn, tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 stitches = 4 inches

Cast on 161 stitches, place marker, join in round. 

Set-up Row 1: purl 80 stitches, place second marker, purl

Set-up Row 2: knit, slipping second marker when you come to it

Madeira Mesh Cowl

Madeira Mesh Cowl

I'll be honest: I bought this yarn because it was on sale, and I thought it was very pretty in a neutral sort of way.  And then I found this nice stitch pattern, which is both reversible and open, and I FINALLY convinced myself to make a simple cowl, without any shaping, whose difficulty lies in the stitch pattern alone.  Yup, that pretty much covers it.

Yarn: Berroco Linsey (64% Cotton, 36% Linen; 114 yards [105 meters]/50 grams); #6556 Shell - two skeins

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 6

A close-up of the pattern

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round

Gauge: 21 stitches = 4 inches

Cast on 144 stitches, place marker, and join in round.  Next, knit one set-up row in a knit one, purl one design.  Finally, it's time to begin the main pattern, which is Madeira Mesh from page 151 of Barbara G. Walter's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, and goes as follows:

Rows 1, 3, & 5: * yo, p3tog, yo, k3; rep from *

Peaks & Cables Hat

Peaks & Cables Hat

Okay, so I lost track sometime during last week's vacation, but I ripped this hat out either three or four times before I finally left it sitting around as nothing more than a band of ribbing (luckily, I didn't have to finish it three or four times before I realized each of those times was ugly).  Then I made the cowl for my mom and forgot about the hat entirely.  But since I'm trying to finish the projects I start (except for that quilt from 7 years ago, of course), I finally got some inspiration and hammered through.  And I have to say, my husband thinks it's my best one yet (on a completely unrelated note, I just remembered that my post-apocalyptic New Orleans dream last night featured a whole segment where the tops of my hats, where I pull the stitches together y'know, were starting to tug undone and it was IMPERATIVE that I fix them all right then despite the chaos.  not that I have knitting anxiety dreams or anything...).

Update (4/24/14): For anyone out there who prefers to knit with charts, Raveler bebamima was kind enough to whip some up and then pass them along. You can find charts for both the main pattern and the decreases at the bottom of this post, or shoot me an email if you'd prefer jpgs (ballstothewallsknits@gmail.com). Thanks bebamima!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Paints (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #9863 Spring Meadow - one skein

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 8 and a set of double-pointed needles in size 8

The pattern.  A cable, and then a peak.

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using size 8 needles, cast on 112 stitches, place marker, and join in round.  Knit 1" in k1, p1 ribbing.  Now it's time to begin your main pattern, for which you'll need the following notation:

bc (back cross): slip two stitches to cn and hold in back; knit two stitches, knit two stitches from cn

So let's get to it!

Row 1: * k4, yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo; rep from *

Row 2 and all even rows, including final row 8: knit

Row 3: * bc, k1, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k1 *

Tie-Closure Lace Cowl II

Tie-Closure Lace Cowl II (yeah, the picture is lopsided.  there was baby intervention)

First, let me apologize for how long it's been since my last pattern post - there was a disastrous family vacation and all kinds of illness that got in the way.  Of course, on the plus side, said disastrous vacation resulted in one good thing: I raided my mom's yarn stash and found a single decent skein, which was as petite as it was pretty (146 yards isn't a lot, you know) (also, mom, what's up with all the novelty yarns???).  So in exchange for stealing it, I promised to make it into something nice for her, even though I was limited by the very limited amount.  So I came up with this.  Also, both of the ties are made from my embroidery floss collection, although of course you could make them with the same yarn, or even ribbon if you didn't want to bother with the I-cords.

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca & Silk (50% Alpaca; 50% Silk; 146 yards [133 meters]/50 grams); #136 - this color is discontinued and older than either of my children, so I have no idea what the name of it is, but I used just one skein!

A poorly-lit close-up of the pattern.
Once again, I blame the baby.

Embroidery Floss: Sullivan's (100% Cotton; 8.7 yards [8 meters]); #45325 - one skein, but you will need pretty much the whole thing

Embroidery Floss: Sullivan's (100% Cotton; 8.7 yards [8 meters]); #45000 (Ecru) - also one skein, and you will also need all of this one

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 5 (well, I knit this on a circular needle, but you get the point - it goes back and forth), and two dpns in size 1, for knitting the embroidery floss

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

So let's get to it!  First, using your size 5 needles and your regular yarn, cast on 5 stitches and knit one row.  Now we're going to work some increases and get started on the pattern, which goes as follows: