Marilynn'sGardenKnitDesign: October 2015

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Simply Chevron Hat

Simply Chevron Hat works well in a cotton or wool blend. The hat is worked in diagonal left & right stitches (400 knitting stitches, p30, 31) giving the knitter something interesting to do, but keeping the texture simple enough for either gender. This hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes the Simply Chevron Hat perfect for gifts or charity.

Photo: (toddler) Simply Chevron Hat is knit in Plymouth Encore worsted; 75% acrylic/ 25% wool; color 1445

Finished sizes:

Adult/Teen: flat 16”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 9”

Child: flat 14”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”

Toddler: flat 12”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 7.5”

Newborn/Infant: flat 10”, stretches to 16”circumference, height 6.5”

Gauge: 5 stitches = 1”; (Toddler gauge: 5.5 stitches = 1”) Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Adult/Teen: 150 yards / 2.5 oz;

Child/Toddler: 125 yards /2 oz

Infant: 90 yards / 1.5 oz

Needles: Size US#7, and Size US#8, 16” circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles

(for Toddler: Size US#6, and Size US#7, 16” circular needles, set size US#7 double pointed needles)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on K = knit k2tog = knit 2 stitches together p = purl
Rnd/s = round/s sts = stitches

Special Stitches: Chevron (these 24 stitches and 12 rounds create the chevron pattern)

Rnds 1, 2: p1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1

Rnds 3, 4: k1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1

Rnds 5, 6: k2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2

Rnds 7, 8: k3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3

Rnds 9, 10: k4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4

Rnds 11, 12: k5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5

Key: Knit , purl -

Directions: Directions are written for adult size. [child and newborn/infant directions are in brackets] (for toddler, follow child directions using smaller needles)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#7, 16” circular needles. Cast on 96 [72, 48] stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

(toddler: size US#6, CO 72sts)

Brim:

Rnds 1-12[10, 8]: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Hat: With size US#8 needles, (toddler: size US#7needles) (place maker after 24sts for repeats)

Rnds 1, 2: * P1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 3, 4: * K1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 5, 6: * K2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 7, 8: * K3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnds 9, 10: * K4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnds 11, 12: * K5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5; repeat from * to end

Work the hat in pattern for 8” [7.5”(7”), 5.5”] from CO ending on rnd 12.

For a taller hat, or fold-up brim work extra rounds of the pattern before starting the crown decreases.

Crown: Change to double pointed needles when needed.
Rnd 1: Knit

Rnd 2: K3, k2tog, * K6, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 3: K2, k2tog, * K5, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 4: K1, k2tog, * K4, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 5: K2tog, * K3, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 6: K1, * K2tog; repeat from * until 12,[9,6] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn and thread end through remaining stitches. Pull together, and tie off neatly.

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Simply Chevron Hat pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Sew What? Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snuggler

Yes, this is my knitting blog, but sometimes fleece and sewing seem like a better choice!
My Roller Derby daughter asked for a mermaid's tail blanket like she'd seen on Pinterest. There are some beautiful patterns to knit and crochet, but I'd rather sew this project because I'd be making a mermaid's tail for my daughter and two grand-daughters. (And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)

Let me share the process:


I made a trip to JoAnn's. With sales & coupon magic, I spent $36. The pattern was 40% = $9. The fleece kit, and fabric were 50% = $10 + $10. I also bought some sparkle fabric to make the NH grand-daughter a Halloween costume. (Next time, I'd purchase 2 yards fleece, and/or the 60"x72" kit. Mermaids have long tails!)

I came home, gathered supplies, and unfolded the pattern. The adult pattern was very large so I opted to use the children's, and placed it on fabric not concerned that it was also very wide. I used pattern for the adult tail.

I folded the fleece right-sides together lengthwise 24"x 60", and again 12" x 60".
I placed and pinned the pattern. I trimmed the fabric around the bottom of the tail and fin.
(Next time, folded to 24"x72", and 12"x72". Place the pattern at the bottom, leaving the extra fabric above the pattern. Mermaids have long tails!)

I continued to work with the right-sides together sewing the tail and fin. I also zig-zag stitched the tail, but not the fin.

Then I turned the work right-side out. I top stitched the edge and interior of the fin.

I took the work to the sofa. Great fit for me, but as you remember from other posts, I am not 5' tall. These girls are 5'5". Finished snuggler: 47" circumference, 60" length, but only 48" available for tail. I did some thinking, and remembered most lap blankets are 72" long.


To solve that problem, I made a second trip to JoAnn's. With sales & coupon magic, I spent an additional $14. I purchase a yard of the chevron fabric, on the left, so I could fussy cut an 18"strip centering the two blue chevrons. The fabric, to the right, I cut in half creating two 48"x18" strips to sew at the top of the two tails.

Finished measurements: 47" circumference, 77" length, with 65" available for the tail.

These are the finished Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snugglers.

For content support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

(And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)