Blue Angel Headband

Blue Angel Headband

Yes, this headband is named after a Marlene Dietrich movie for a reason; something about the shape and size reminds me of Old Hollywood, when actresses swanned around in turbans and smoked from only the most elegant of cigarette holders (side note: my five-year-old asked me what a cigarette was the other day. Precious!). It's also a super quick knit, made in super bulky yarn with the largest needles I've ever purchased. One thing to note, however, if you're going to make it: if you're not sure what size you need, size down - knitting with this gauge of yarn gives it plenty of stretch. You may also need to size down if you're working with an especially elastic yarn, or simply want a more snug fit.

Sizes: Adult Small (Adult Medium; Adult Large) (the small should fit up a 21" - 22" head; the medium a 22" - 23" head; the large a 23" - 24" head)

Yarn: Schachenmayr Lova (67% Acrylic, 30% Wool, 3% Polyamide; 55 yards [50 meters]/50 grams); #0083 Green Flash - 1 - 2 skeins (2 skeins; 2 skeins)

A closer look at the cabling

Needles: One set of needles in size US 15, one cable needle (cn)

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 11 stitches = 4 inches

So let's do this! First, cast on 15 stitches loosely. Then, knit the following rows:

Row 1 (wrong side): k1, p13, k1

Row 2: k1, (slip 1 with yarn in back (wyib), k1) 7 times

Knit rows 1 & 2 until piece measures roughly 6.5" (7"; 7.5") and you've just finished row 2 of the pattern. Then, we'll move to our cabled center, for which we'll need the following notation:

Doug Fir Mittens

 

Doug Fir Mittens

I don't have a terribly entertaining story about these mittens, but I'll tell it anyway. First, I wanted to design a pair. Then, I did. And though the Doug Fir Mittens are definitely on the basic side, they also have a few nice features. The cuffs, for instance, are long enough to tuck into your jacket and keep your wrists warm. Plus, the tops are nice and tapered! With any luck, I'll also be adding some kid sizes soon, although these are only sized for adults.

Sizes: Small Adult (Medium Adult; Large Adult) (the small is for a hand roughly 7 1/2" - 8" in circumference at the base of the thumb and 7" from base of palm to fingertips, and the large for a hand roughly 8 1/2" - 9" in circumference at the base of the thumb and 8" from base of palm to fingertips - and finally, go medium if you're between)

Yarn: Berroco Vintage (52% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 8% Nylon; 218 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #5177 Douglas Fir – one skein (all sizes)

The thumb join. Yup, looks like a thumb.

Needles: one set of double-pointed needles (dpns) in size US 7, one set of dpns in size US 5

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 7 needles

So let's get started! Using your size 5 needles, cast on 40 (40; 44) stitches and then distribute the stitches between your needles as follows: 12 stitches on the first needle, 16 stitches on the second needle, and 12 stitches on the third needle (12 stitches on the first needle, 16 stitches on the second needle, and 12 stitches on the third needle; 14 stitches on the first needle, 16 stitches on the second needle, and 14 stitches on the third needle). Join in round, and then proceed as follows:

Ribbing Row 1: * p1, k2, p1; rep from *

Belt Welt Hat

Belt Welt Hat

First, I should mention that I'm pretty sure this is the most expensive skein of yarn I've ever purchased, and it was WORTH EVERY PENNY! So smooth, so wonderful to knit - seriously, I would take a bath in the stuff if I could afford it. Luckily, you don't have to use this luxurious of a yarn to make this pattern pop - any heavier weight worsted should do. But perhaps the best thing about this pattern is that it's a pretty simple knit that still yields a lot of graphic appeal. Or in other words, you won't have to put in a lot of work in order to end up with a hat that you'll be pleased with.

Sizes: Small Adult (Large Adult)

Yarn: Simplinatural by HiKoo by Skacel (40% Baby Alpaca, 40% Fine Merino Wool, 20% Mulberry Silk; 183 yards [167 meters]/100 grams); #098 Bright Blue – one skein (both sizes)

The finish.

Needles: one 16" circular needle in size US 6, one 16" circular needle in size US 8, one set of double pointed needles (dpns), also in size US 8 (one 16" circular needle in size US 7, one 16" circular needle in size US 9, one set of dpns, also in size US 9)

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches on size 8 needles, 16 stitches = 4 inches on size 9 needles

So let's get one thing straight, here. The only difference between the size small hat the large is needle size - if you want to make a small hat, use 6s and 8s. If you want a large hat, use 7s and 9s! And now that we've got that taken care of, using your smaller circular needle, cast on 90 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll knit the following ribbing row:

Ribbing Row: * p1, k1; rep from *

Knit this ribbing row until piece measures 4". And now, it's time to switch to your larger needles and the main pattern, which is Belt Welt from page 6 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, and goes as follows: