Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Ribbed Beanie

Free Pattern: Ribbed Beanie
This hat is super simple, and super comfy. It stretches to fit almost anyone from 2 years old to adults. Quinn (my mannequin head) has about a 23" head, but the ribbing allows the hat to spring back to shape so it even fits my 3 year old son. This hat is a family staple, and I have made many for my son and husband, they love them!

Supplies:
US # 10.5 circular needle (16" length) and double point needles
1 skein Bernat Camouflage in Desert Sand
Stitch Marker
Yarn Needle

Gauge:
5 sts X 5 rows = 1" in k1, p1 rib

Directions:
Using circular needle and long-tail cast on CO 72 stitches. Place marker and join in the round.

Begin working k1, p1 ribbing (the first round is a little tight, keep working your stitches around and it will be fine).

Work k1, p1 ribbing for 5 to 5 1/2 inches. Begin decreases.

Decrease rounds:

** repeat between *'s for entire round

Round 1: *k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, p2tog*

Round2: k

Round 3: *k1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, p2tog*

Round 4: k

Round 5: *k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2tog, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, p2tog*

Round 6: k

Round 7: *k1, p2tog, k2tog, p1, k2tog, p2tog*

Round 8: k

Round 9: *k2tog, p2tog* to last 2 stitches, k2tog

Cut yarn leaving 6" tail, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight. Weave in ends and enjoy!

Tips:
Knittingpatterncentral.com has great instructions for cast on methods and knitting in the round.

This pattern is free for personal use only. Please do not use for profit unless all proceeds go to charity.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Wine Glass Markers

Free Pattern: Wine Glass Markers
A great way to tell which glass is yours at dinner parties. Also works great on coffee mugs for that after dinner cup 'o joe. They are very quick to knit, and use only a few yards of yarn each. I used cut corks for my buttons, but you can use beads, buttons, or anything you wish to personalize your set.

Supplies:
US #7 double point needles
Scraps of worsted weight yarn (8 pieces - about 2-3 yards in length)
2 corks (cut into quarters - 8 pieces) or 8 beads or buttons
Yarn Needle

Gauge:
Not too important, but make one to be sure your cork, button, bead fits before making the rest. If your hole is too small, work 1-2 more rows i-cord, if too big, work 1-2 fewer rows.

Directions:
CO 3 stitches using knitted cast on. Work 11 rows I-cord.

Pick up 2 stitches from cast on edge (5 stitches on needle).

Knit 11 more rows I-cord.

Bind off row: k2tog, k1, bo 1st stitch, k2tog, pass k2tog st over middle stitch to bind off.

Cut yarn leaving enough to attach cork (bead, button) and thread through center stitch.

Attach cork (bead, button) and weave in ends.

Celebrate with a glass of wine or a cup 'o joe! Enjoy!

Tips:
Knittingpatterncentral.com has great instructions for cast-on methods, and working I-cord.

This pattern is free for personal use only. Please do not use for profit unless all proceeds go to charity.