Thursday, April 3, 2008

Simple Kid's Beanie

Free Pattern: Simple Kid's Beanie
I saw this yarn, and I thought it was so perfect for my little granddaughter (my step-son's baby). She's just precious anyway, but I love making stuff for her. Now if I could just get my toy making skills honed.
This hat will fit any kid from 6 months old, to about 3 years old. Just make it a little longer if it's for a kid over 2 years old.
Bernat has lots of camo colors for girls and boys.

Supplies:
US #7 double point needles (it's a little too small for circs)
1 skein Bernat Camouflage in Pink (I used less than half a skein)
Stitch Marker
Yarn Needle

Gauge:
4 sts X 6 rows = 1"

Directions:
CO 72 stitches using long tail cast-on. I cast on directly to the dpn's, but it may be easier for some to cast-on to a straight needle, and then slip the stitches to dpn's. Join to begin knitting in the round. (Place your marker after the first stitch so it doesn't slip off the needle.)

Rounds 1 -6 - work k2, p2 ribbing

Begin working stockinette stitch (knit all stitches). Work stockinette until hat measures about 4 1/2" (5 to 5 1/2" for 2 years plus).

Begin decreases:

* * repeat between *'s for entire round

Round 1 - *k6, k2tog*
Round 2 - k
Round 3 - *k5, k2tog*
Round 4 - k
Round 5 - *k4, k2tog*
Round 6 - k
Round 7 - *k3, k2tog*
Round 8 - k
Round 9 - *k2, k2tog*
Round 10 - k
Round 11 - *k1, k2tog*
Round 12 - k
Round 12 - *k2tog*

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

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

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

Book Jacket

Free Pattern: Book Jacket
This book jacket is the result of boredom. I wanted something simple and quick to knit (I'm all about instant gratification!). It looks good, and my mother-in-law liked it so much, I gave it to her. The only thing I would do different on the next one is stockinette instead of seed stitch on the inside flaps. It's not too thick, but it leave a bit of a gap when the book is closed.



Supplies:
US #8 needles ( I used a 16" circ. instead of straight needles for the added length)
1 skein Red Heart Carefree Cotton in Kiwi (178 yrds or 100 grams)
Stitch Markers (Optional)
Yarn Needle

Gauge:
5 sts X 6 rows = 1"

Directions:
CO 79 sts using cable cast on (leave at least a 6-7" tail for seaming, one less end to weave in).

Row 1 - (k1, p1) 5X, place marker, (k3, p1) 14X, k3, place marker, (p1, k1) 5X

Row 2 - (k1, p1) 5X, slip marker, (p3, k1) 14X, p3, slip marker, (p1, k1) 5X

*to work stockinette stitch for the inside flap, knit the first and last 10 of row 1, and purl on row 2.

Bind off in pattern row 1.

Finishing:
Pick which side you want to be the outside and fold flaps to inside and sew each end using whip stitch. Weave in your ends and enjoy!

Tips:
Knittingpatterncentral.com has great instructions for cast on methods and seaming stitches.

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