Now I Have a Set

My next project after my hat was a pair of matching fingerless gloves. I used this free pattern, that is knit flat and seamed together. I only had straight needles at the time, so my options were limited. However, I really like this pattern. It is fast, easy and easy to modify.

Since my yarn was bulkier than the yarn called for in the pattern, I used my guage from my hat, and cast on about 25% less stitched. I then followed the pattern as is, but with 25% less everything (stitches, increases, rows, etc). It worked out really well actually!

The bulky yarn is pretty, but I think that it kind of makes my hands look chubby. But I don’t care, they are really mostly used while at work, so my fingers don’t freeze at the keyboard!

First Ever Knit Hat

Well, I finally bit the bullet and learned to knit. After 6+ years of trying, I decided to make a go at continental, and it clicked. I still had issues with purling, so after much Googling, I discovered Norwegian Purling (scroll down), and again, it  clicked.

My first actual project was the Garter Stitch Kitty, but I don’t have pictures of that yet. My second project was the hat, Gothcha covered. It is a beanie, but I knit it extra long (and without the folded cuff) to make it a slouchy hat. Here’s what I learned:

• I originally chose the woman’s size, but it was WAY too small. I chose the men’s size, but it is still a bit small. I think I should have cast on at least 4 more stitches.
• I shortened the ribbing, and only knit it 7 inches before the decreases. I like the length!
• I knit too many rows, and tried my hand at unraveling rows, but somehow ended up twisting every since stitch on the row. I ended up untwisting each stitch as I knit it. Need more practice at frogging correctly.
• I somehow managed to increase 2 stitches randomly, which left a big hole. I just decreased later, and stitched up the hole, so no worries!
• I learned how to decrease in 2 different ways:)
• I learned the mattress stitch.

Overall, a really great learning project.

New York Noro Plaid

MMMmmm, Noro. I love the colors of this yarn, but I’m a bit disappointed with the feel of it. I guess since I’m very allergic to wool, no wool yarn will ever feel yummy to me.

I originally bought this skein of yarn for the wavelength, but it was just taking me too long. The thing kept twisting severely, and every row I’d have to spend 5 minutes straightening it. Luckily, I found I way to both show off the lovely colors, and also use nearly 100% of the skein! Basically, I capitalized on the natural gradients of the noro, and made a sort of ‘plaid’. The results are easy and beautiful!

Here is the super simple pattern, sized so it uses as much of the skein as safely possible:

Noro Plaid Scarf

1 skein Noro Kureyon Sock

Size f crochet hook

Finished measurements: approx 7 in. x 51 in.

Row 1: ch 43

Row 2: dc 2nd ch from hook. *ch 1, skip next st, dc 1* repeat across

Row 3: ch 4 (this counts as first dc and ch). *dc 1, skip next st, ch 1* repeat across
(Basically, you are making a dc mesh, like in filet crochet)

Repeat rows 2 and 3 just row 3 (thanks emy!) until the scarf reaches about 51 inches long.

Now, there are many ways you can do the vertical weaving. I chose to make long chains, to keep the integrity of the gradient, but you could replace the chains with 2 or 3 stands of yarn. It is your choice whether you want fringe, but remember, this scarf uses most of the skein, so keep that decision until the end.

If you are weaving in chains here are some options:

• Chain one super long chain, and wind into a ball to use, cutting the length as you go
• Chain single lengths and make them as you need them
• Chain double lengths and weave both ends, so you have two less ends to weave in

Basically, take the chains or strands of yarn, and weave them in and out of the mesh boxes, lengthwise. Make sure to alternate the starting direction for each column. Secure the ends of the chains by making a knot, and weave in the loose ends of the chain back into itself.

This all sounds much more complicated than it actually is! Here are some more pictures. NOTE: These pictures are of the unblocked scarf! I will try to replace them with better quality ones when I get a chance.

Filed under Crochet, Free Patterns, Hats and Scarves, My Projects | Comments (15)

Pretty Puffs Slouchy Hat (with pattern!)

Two-point-five weeks into my life in San Francisco, and I got a great job! I’m very excited to start, but I still have a few days left of ‘vacation’. I had fun the first week wandering around. I still love to explore, but I’ve had to limit myself, because I really haven’t any moola yet. With all these amazing shops around, no one in their right mind could resist, so I had to quarantine myself. To ease my ‘new stuff’ desire, I decided to make something new.

I made it with Lion Brand Cashmere Blend, which I got on sale for 60% off. I used about 1.5 skeins, so I might have enough left over to make a matching one for a Christmas present.

Puffy Slouchy Hat
Bulky weight yarn, size J hook. For Worsted weight use a K hook.

The numbers in the [] say how many stitches there should be.

Puff stitch: (YO, insert hook in next st, YO, pull up a loop) 4 times, YO, and draw through all loops on hook. (Here’s a video)

You do not have to join rounds, and this will create a spiral, and there will be no seam. Use a stitch marker if you do this, and keep the stitch count the same.

NOTE: Lion Brand Cashmere Blend is slightly bulkier than regular worsted weight, and it has more drape. If you are going to use yarn like Vanna’s Choice, I recommend adding another increase round after round 5:

extra round 5.5: ch3, work 1 dc where chain is, (work 1 dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc) around. Join. [72]

1: ch 4, 12 dc in first st, join in ch. (Just grab one loop from top of the chain. This makes the seam less visible, and this will make a circle.) [12]

2: ch 3, work 1 dc where chain is (in same st as join – ch3 counts as first dc), 2 dc in each stitch, join with sl st (remember, the ch counts as a st!). [24]

3: ch 3, work 1 dc where chain is, (work 1 dc, 2 dc in next stitch) around. Join. [36]

4: ch 3, work 1 dc where chain is, (work 1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) around. Join. [48]

5: ch3, work 1 dc where chain is, (work 1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc) around. Join. [60]

6: ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Join. [60]

7: ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Join. [60]

8: ch 3, 1 dc in each st around. Join. [60]

9: ch 3, puff st in same st as join, dc in next st, (puff in next st, dc in next
st) around. Join in top st of first puff. [60 sts: 30 puffs, 30 dc]

10: ch 1, (sc in top of puff, sc in next dc) around. Join. [60]
* It will look like you are skipping stitches here, but you aren’t. Just
remember, sc in top of puff, skip spot, and sc in top of dc post. Make sure you have 60 sts here!

11: same as row 9. [60 sts: 30 puffs, 30 dc]

12: sc around, same as row 10. [60]

13: same as row 9. [30 puffs, 30 dc]

14: sc around, same as row 10. [60]

15: ch 1, sc in each st around. [60]

16: ch 1, (sc in next 3 sts, dec over next 2 sts) around. Join. [48]

17: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. [48]

18: same as row 17. [48]

19: same as row 17. [48]

20: same as row 17. [48]

21: ch 1, (slip st in next st, ch1, slip st in same st) around. Join in first sc.
Fasten off, weave in ends.

NOTE: As I mentioned in my original craftster post, I had intensely studied a pattern online. I don’t have a printer, so I tried to visualize it as a crochet chart. I have an insane memory, and graduated with a 3.98 GPA by only reading the texts the night before the tests. When I made this hat, I thought I was only being inspired, but I essentially recreated the hat. People have pointed it out, and I am very disappointed that I wasn’t being creative, I was just recalling it. SO, all accolades should go to the original author here: http://patternsbydot.blogspot.com/2005/11/bobble-beauty.html. My sincere apologies. I know it’s hard to believe, but it wasn’t intentional at all. I posted this at craftster, but I never got around to posting it here. :/

Warm Winter Roundup!

This winer has been cooooooold! I live in a house with half guys, half girls, and it’s a constant battle to try and keep the thermostat above 65. Those boys just love their chilly houses I guess. So I’ve taken to wearing my winter gear indoors. It’s getting  bit worn out though, so I’ve found a few items I must make this break!

The Proffesional Set:

Chunky Ear Flap Hat:

15 Minute Earwarmers:

Blossom Scarf: (look at bugmenot for a log in)

Block letter Beanie:

And so much more to come!

Cute Lacey Headband

I’ve actually made quite a few things this summer, but I can’t find my camera charger, so until then, no pictures! However, I did finally get my web-cam installed (Is amazing for video calls, makes long distance relationships much more bearable). Here is my super darling headband. I made it in-between classes, and is a very quick project.

You can get the headband pattern here.  I think I may make another, but in the narrow version.

Interweave has free patterns, who knew?

Ha, silly me. I never even thought to check the interweave crochet website for free patterns. I have always drooled over the knit section, so who knows why I never checked the crochet section. I especially like the Pistachio Cap, although I can’t figure out what gender the model is!:P

Free Pattern: A rose is a Rose Hat

I know, I know, it's not hat weather anymore. But I can't help it. I love hats, and since I'm growing my hair out, I finally have long enough hair so that I don't look like a boy wearing one. I think this Rose hat is perfect for the weather that's transitioning between winter and spring. Like the weather we had last month. Oh well, I'll keep it in mind for next year! 

Free Pattern: One loom Mitten

I don't use my Knifty Knitter nearly enough, so these one loom mittens are next on my list for next winter. I like to make projects a season or two ahead, because that way I actually can get it done in time!

Free Pattern: Cloche and matching scarf

I’m always looking for the perfect hat. Which is strange because I have short hair, so I look silly in hats! However, I am growing my locks out and maybe someday I can look dashing in my handmade cloche. I really like this cloche, but not the colors. It has great texture and shape. Someone also made a matching scarf!

Too bad hat weather is just weeks away from ending. Wait, what the heck am I saying? Too bad? I mean, whoo-hoo!