Oh,Cable Hat & Mitts

Oh! It's a ribbed hat with one vertical line of Oh,Cable working its way toward the crown. The hat pattern is written as five sizes for worsted, light/tight worsted, and DK weights of yarn to knit an Oh,Cable Hat for any member of the family. The mitts pattern is written as three sizes also giving the knitter choices of yarn and needle sizes. If finished neatly, the hat and mitts are interestingly reversible.

Hat Finished sizes:

Large Adult: 14”, stretches to 24” circumference, height 12”

Adult: flat 12”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 11”

Child: flat 10”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 9”

Infant: flat 8”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 8”

Newborn: flat 6”, stretches to 16”circumference, height 7”

Mitt Finished sizes:

Large: Flat 6”, stretches to 12”circumference, height 10”

Medium: Flat 5.5”, stretches to 10”circumference, height 10”

Small: Flat 5”, stretches to 8”circumference, height 9”

Gauge: (size #8 needles) 6 stitches =1” flat 2x2 ribbing; (size #7 needles) 7sts = 1” flat 2x2 ribbing;(size #6 needle) 8 stitches = 1” flat 2x2 ribbing. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: wool blend in Worsted Weight, light/tight Worsted Weight, DK

Hats: Large Adult: 200yards / 3.5oz; Adult: 175 yards / 3 oz;

Child: 125 yards / 2 oz; Infant, Newborn: 90 yards / 1.5 oz

Mitts: 200 yards / 3.5oz

Photo: Oh,Cable Hats are knit in KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Superwash; 100% superwash wool; colors: Delft Heather, Amethyst Heather, Fjord Heather (size US#7 needles)

Oh, Cable Mitts are knit in KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Superwash; 100% superwash wool;

color: Amethyst Heather ( size medium, size US#7 needles)

Needles for hats: (Check the yarn label recommendations)

(Worsted) Size US #8, 16”, 12” circular needles, set size US#8, double pointed needles.

(Light/tight Worsted )Size US #7, 16”, 12” circular needles, set size US#7, double pointed needles.

(DK) Size US #6, 16”,or 12” circular needles, set size US#6, double pointed needles.

Notions for hats: Stitch marker, cable needle, tapestry needle

Needles for mitts:

Two Size US#8, US#7, US#6, or US#5, 16”or 24” circular needles; and/or set sizeUS#8, US#7, US#6, US#5, double pointed needles (I prefer to knit both mitts at the same time on two circular needles.

KNITTING circles around SOCKS by Antje Gillingham is an excellent resource for getting started.)

Notions for mitts: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, cable needle, 2 yards different color yarn, (smaller spare) set double pointed needles, crochet hook

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      BO= bind off      K = knit k2tog = knit 2 stitches together

p = purl       p2togbl= purl 2 stitches together through the back loop      cn=cable needle

MC= main color      Rnd/s = round/s       sts = stitches      c8B=cable 8 Back      c8F= cable 8 Front

Special Stitches:

c8B = cable 8 Back = slip 4sts to cn and hold in back, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

c8F = cable 8 Front = slip 4sts to cn and hold in front, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

Oh,Cable Hat

Directions: Directions are written for size large adult [adult, child, infant, newborn directions are in brackets]. (Notes are in Italic)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with 16” [16”,16”, 12”, 12”] circular needles,

and cast on the number of stitches for desired yarn, needles, and hat size.

WOW!  2/23/2020 I received a request for the size, yarn and cast-on information.   I have updated the post to include that, but today Technology is not my friend.  YOU also get an extra blank chart!!

Oh, Cable		Hat sizes:
Yarn weight:	Needle size:	Large Adult	Adult	Child	Infant	Newborn
Worsted	US #8	CO 100	CO 80	CO 72	CO 60	CO 52
Light Worsted	US #7	CO 120	CO 100	CO 80	CO 72	CO 60
DK	US #6	CO 120	CO 100	CO 80	CO 72	CO 60

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

Hat:

(the first 20 stitches and 20 rounds make the Oh,Cable)

Rnds 1- 9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2; * knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 11 - 19: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 20: K1, c8F, c8B, k1, p2; * knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Work hat with Oh,Cable pattern for 11” [10”, 8”, 6", 5”] ending on rnd 10 or 20.

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

Crown Decreases: Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnds 1, 2: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * Knit 2, p2togbl; repeat from * to end (p2togbl creates a more reversible hat)

Rnds 4, 5: * Knit 2, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * K2tog, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 7, 8: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: Knit 1, then *K2tog; repeat from * until 10 [10,10, 8, 8”] sts remain.

Finishing:Cut 12” yarn, and thread end through remaining stitches.

Pull together, and tie off neatly for a very reversible hat.

Oh,Cable Mitts

Directions: Directions are written for size large [medium directions are in brackets;

size small, follow size medium directions just use smaller needles.] (Notes are in Italic)

The mitt/s are worked from wrist to fingers. Make two mitts.

WOW!  2/23/2020 I received a request for the size, yarn and cast-on information.   I have updated the post to include that, but today Technology is not my friend.  YOU also get an extra blank chart!!

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with two Size US #8 [#7, #6, #5], 16”or 24” circular needles,

and cast on the number of stitches for desired yarn, needles, and mitts size.

Oh, Cable		Mitts size:	Mitts size:		Mitts size:
Yarn weight:	Needle size:	Large Adult	Medium	Needle size:	Small Adult
Worsted	US #8	CO 52	CO 48	US#7	CO 48
Light Worsted	US #7	CO 52	CO 48	US#6	CO 48
DK	US #6	CO 52	CO 48	US#5	CO 48

 

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

24, 28sts per needle [24, 24]sts, per needle

Rnds 1- 9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 10: (back of hand) K2, p2, k1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, then (palm) (k2, p2) 7 [6]times

Rnds 11-19: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 20: K2, p2, k1, c8F, c8B, k1, p2, then (k2, p2) 7 [6]times

Work mitt/s with Oh,Cable pattern at least 6” from CO completing rnd 5.

Thumb opening:

The mitts are (fraternal) identical, and you've been looking at the back of the hand. This round will determine the right and left thumb placement.

Right Thumb Opening Rnd 6: (K2, p2)6times(back of hand), then k2, drop MC yarn, with a strand of different colored yarn, p2, k2. Slip the four stitches back to the left needle. Drop colored strand, pick up MC, p2, k2 across 4 stitches once more, and continue p2, (k2, p2)5[4]times (palm).

The thumb cuff will be put in later.

Left Thumb Opening Rnd 6: (K2, p2)6times(back of hand), then (palm)(k2, p2)6[5]times, drop MC yarn, with a strand of different colored yarn, k2, p2. Slip the four stitches back to the left needle. Drop colored strand, pick up MC, k2, p2 across 4 stitches once more.

The thumb cuff will be put in later.

Continue to work mitt/s an additional 3” with Oh,Cable on the back of hand, ending work on a rnd 9.

Bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in tail/s very neatly for interestingly reversible mitt/s.

Finishing:

Thumb Cuff: Carefully slide the 4sts below, and 4sts above the colored yarn to 2 (smaller spare) double pointed needles. Carefully remove the colored yarn.

Attach MC yarn, working with sizeUS#8,[#7,#6,#5], double pointed needles, picking up 4[2] stitches at the beginning of each needle, and knit 2, purl 2 as the stitches present themselves, work one round. (You'll have the rib pattern established, and 8[6] sts on the two needles. This will help avoid “holes” on the sides, and offer comfort for the thumb.)

Now work the thumb cuff onto 4[3] double pointed needles (k2, p2 per needle).

Rnds 1-10:* K2, p2; repeat from * to end

Bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in tail/s very neatly for reversible mitt/s.

Make the second mitt.

Chart: Oh, Cable

Key:(Rnd 10): knit , cable8B >//<, cable8F >\\<, k , purl - , p -

(Rnd 20): knit , cable8F >\\<, cable8B >//<, k , purl - , p -

Special Stitches:

c8B = cable 8 Back = slip 4sts to cn and hold in back, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

c8F = cable 8 Front = slip 4sts to cn and hold in front, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Oh,Cable Hat & Mitts Set  pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2/22/15
Update: 2/23/20 Copyright, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved 2/23/20 

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Dessert First Hat

As I started working on the companion hat to the Dessert First Mitts, I found myself again looking through and "cherry picking" the magenta from the yarn to get started on the project.  I also seem to eat a lot of dessert. First things first, let me give you a great Crazy Cake recipe.






Crazy Cake from Grandma Bonnie
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
3 Tbs (really 1/2 cup) cocoa
Mix dry ingredients.
Combine wet ingredients, and pour over dry. 
1 cup (room temp) coffee
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbs vinegar
1/3 cup oil
Mix dry & wet.
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and mix together.
Pour into greased  8"x8" glass baking dish.
Bake 30 minutes at 350F.

 Dessert First Hat

Marilynn Blacketer '15

 The Dessert First Hat is a companion to the Dessert First Mitts.  The Fancy Cable is fun to work, and the knitter is given the choice of one vertical cable working its way toward the crown, or fancy cables throughout. The hat can be knit in a weekend or two, making it the perfect gift or accessory. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of cables is helpful.   If finished neatly, it's interestingly reversible!

Finished sizes:

Large Adult: flat 14”, stretches to 24”circumference, height 12”

Adult: flat 12”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 10”

Child: flat 10”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”

Infant: flat 8”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 7”

Gauge: 5 stitches = 1” Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Large Adult: 200yard/3.5 oz; Adult: 150 yards/2.5 oz; Child: 125 yards /2 oz; Infant: 90 yards/1.5 oz

Photo: Dessert First Hat is knit in Universal Yarn Classic Shades worsted; 70% acrylic/ 30% wool; color 714 Tropics

Needles: Size US#8, 16”,[12”], circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      k=knit      k2tog = knit 2 stitches together       p = purl

p2togbl= purl 2 stitches together through the back loop      cn=cable needle       pm = place marker

Rnd/s = round/s      sts = stitches      c8B=cable 8 Back       c8F= cable 8 Front

Special Stitches:

c8B = cable 8 Back = slip 4sts to cn and hold in back, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

c8F = cable 8 Front = slip 4sts to cn and hold in front, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

Special Stitches: Fancy Cable (these 20 stitches and 10 rounds make the fancy cable)

Rnds 1-9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2

Directions: Directions are written for size large adult [adult, child, infant directions are in brackets] (Notes in Italic)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#8, 16” [16”,16”, 12”] circular needles,

and cast on 96[80, 72, 60]stitches. 
Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Optional Extra Fancy: Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#8, 16” [16”,16”, 12”] circular needles, and cast on 120[96, 80, 72]stitches. The extra cables restrict the stretch.

Hat:

(the first 20 stitches and 10 rounds make the Fancy Cable)

Rnds 1- 9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10:  K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end

Optional Extra Fancy Rnd 10:

large adult,[child]Rnd 10:* K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, pm; repeat from * to end
adult,[infant]Rnd 10: * K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, k2, p2, pm ; repeat from * to end

Work hat with Fancy Cable pattern for 11”[10, 8”, 6”] ending on rnd 10.

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

Crown Decreases: Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnds 1, 2: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * Knit 2, p2togbl; repeat from * to end      (making the cap very reversible)

Rnds 4, 5: * Knit 2, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * K2tog, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 7, 8: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: Knit 1, then *K2tog; repeat from * until 10[10, 8, 8”] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn, and thread end through remaining stitches.

Pull together, and tie off neatly for a very reversible hat.

Fancy Cable Chart

 Key:(Rnd 10) knit , cable8B >//<, cable8F >\\<, k , purl - , p -

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Dessert First Hat  pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Here are a few photos of the process:

I started the (size infant) hat with Universal Yarn Classic Shades; color 715 Rainforest.  I pulled out yarn from the center, and found no magenta.  I started working the yarn from the outside.

I worked on the (size infant) hat for awhile, and used the available magenta.  I then purchased a skein of Universal Yarn Classic Shades; color 714 Tropics to start a (size large adult) hat.  I pulled the yarn from the center, and had plenty of magenta to keep me happy.

 Here we go again!  I had worked the inside magenta, and saw many more rounds of gold coming my way.  I solved that problem by breaking, feathering, and joining the yarn to now work from the outside.  I worked that magenta, and finished the hat with a splash of gold.  I then finished the infant hat!

Dessert First Hats!

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Dessert First Hat  pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Dessert First Mitts

This was looking like a great pattern, and I was excited to get started on the mitts.
As I  looked at the yarn, and ate a piece of  pumpkin pie at 10:00AM, I asked myself, "What if I knit the mitts....?











But first, I'd  like to share the pumpkin pie recipe. 
Resources: PLU#3134 Pumpkin Pie; produce sticker
WELL FED, by Melissa Joulwan;  Velvety Butternut Squash, p 119

Roasting a pumpkin is no more difficult than roasting squash.  Remove the stem. Cut pumpkin in half, scoop out seeds & strings.  Place cut side down on parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle 2Tbs water on the parchment.  Bake 350F for 1 hour until tender.  Cool, and scoop out flesh.

 "pumpkin"  and a note from Farmer Ginger: 

Sure! It's pumpkin season!! That squash however is a speckled pup- not technically a pumpkin but a mini kobocha. Sweet and very good in pies! Enjoy and happy holidays!

Ginger from R-Evolution Gardens CSA

Prepare your favorite pie 9" shell.
Preheat oven to 375F.

Pumpkin pie filling: 
1 1/3 cup smooth pumpkin 
1 can sweetened condensed milk 
1 egg
1Tbs pumpkin pie spice (or 11/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp clove)
Beat together, and pour into 9" pie shell.
Bake at 375F for 55-60 minutes.
Let cool, and enjoy!

Now, let's get back to Dessert First Mitts.
As I  looked at the yarn, and ate a piece of  pumpkin pie at 10:00AM, I asked myself, "What if I knit the mitts with all this green & blue, and never get to the pretty magenta?  How can I, 'Knit, Relax, Smile. Repeat!' as suggested on the Universal Yarn label?"

As I finished the piece of piece of pie, I decided to solve that problem. I unwound, and wound the yarn into a ball. I found/wound 33g of green & blue. I continued unwinding on through the magenta, and into the red.  I divided the red in half, and my lucky day, 50g of yarn in that ball.

Then I wound the other ball pulling from the inside, and I started both mitts with a red/magenta cuff!  Dessert first!  Now, I could "Knit, Relax, Smile. Repeat!" as it suggests on the label.

 Dessert First Mitts      Marilynn Blacketer 2014

These Dessert First Mitts are fraternal twins. If finished neatly, interestingly reversible!

The mitts are worked from wrist to fingers in worsted weight yarn. Mitt sizes are determined by the needle size. The Fancy Cable is fun to work, and the mitts can be knit in a weekend, or two, making them the perfect gift or accessory. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of cables, and stitch construction is helpful.

Finished sizes:

Small: Flat 5”, stretches (at cable) to 8”circumference, height 9”

Medium: Flat 5.5”, stretches (at cable) to 10”circumference, height 9”

Large: Flat 6”, stretches (at cable) to 12”circumference, height 9”

Gauge: (size #6 needle) 8 stitches = 1” flat 2x2 ribbing; (size #7 needles) 7sts = 1” flat 2x2 ribbing;

(size #8 needles) 6 stitches =1” flat 2x2 ribbing. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight; 200 yards/3.5 oz;

Photo: Dessert First Mitts (size small) are knit in Universal Yarn Classic Shades;

70%acrylic / 30%wool; color 733 Jubilant

Needles:

Size small: Two sizeUS#6, 16”or 24” circular needles, set sizeUS#6 double pointed needle

Size medium: Two sizeUS#7, 16”or 24” circular needles, set sizeUS#7 double pointed needle

Size large: Two sizeUS#8, 16”or 24” circular needles, set sizeUS#8 double pointed needle

(I prefer to knit both mitts at the same time on two circular needles.

KNITTING circles around SOCKS by Antje Gillingham is an excellent resource for getting started.)

Notions: Stitch markers,  tapestry needle,  cable needle,  2 yards different color yarn,  (smaller spare) set double pointed needles,  crochet hook

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      BO = bind off       K = knit       p = purl

MC = main color      cn = cable needle      Rnd = round      sts = stitches

c8B = cable 8 Back      c8F = cable 8 Front

Fancy Cable (these 20 stitches and 10 rounds make the fancy cable)

Rnds 1-9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2

Special Stitches:

c8B = cable 8 back = slip 4sts to cn and hold in back, work 4sts on left needle as presented 
(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

c8F = cable 8 front = slip 4sts to cn and hold in front, work 4sts on left needle as presented 
(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

Key:(Rnd 10) knit    , cable8B >//<, cable8F >\\<, k    , purl - , p -

Directions: Make two mitts.

If working with one (200 yard)skein of yarn, divide into two (100yard/50g)balls, winding so the favorite(dessert)colored yarn is toward the beginning to be worked into the cuff. If working with 2 skeins of yarn, pull from the inside, or outside, enjoying the favorite(dessert) colored yarn toward the beginning to be worked into the cuff.

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with two SizeUS #6,(#7,#8), 16” circular needles, 
cast on 48 stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist. (24sts per needle)

Rnds 1- 9: *Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 10: (back of hand) K2, p2, k1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, then (palm) (k2, p2) 6 times

(Optional Rnds 10, 20, 30: * K2, p2, k1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2; repeat from * to end)

Work mitts with Fancy Cable at least 6” from CO completing rnd 4.

Thumb opening:

Oops, two right thumbs. Yes, I fixed that!

The mitts are (fraternal) identical, and you've been looking at the back of the hand. This round will determine the right and left thumb placement.

Right Thumb Opening Rnd 5: (K2, p2)6times(back of hand), then k2, drop MC yarn, with a strand of different colored yarn, p2, k2. Slip the four stitches back to the left needle. Drop colored strand, pick up MC, p2, k2 across 4 stitches once more, and continue p2, (k2, p2)4times (palm).

The thumb cuff will be put in later.

Left Thumb Opening Rnd 5: (K2, p2)6times(back of hand), then (palm)(k2, p2)5times, drop MC yarn, with a strand of different colored yarn, k2, p2. Slip the four stitches back to the left needle. Drop colored strand, pick up MC, k2, p2 across 4 stitches once more. The thumb cuff will be put in later.

Rnds 6 - 9: * K2, p2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: K2, p2, k1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, then (k2, p2) 6 times

Continue to work mitt an additional 3” with Fancy Cable on the back of hand, ending work on rnd 9.

Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing:

Thumb Cuff: Carefully slide the 4sts below, and 4sts above the colored yarn to 2 (smaller spare) double pointed needles. Carefully remove the colored yarn. 

Attach MC yarn, working with sizeUS#6,(#7,#8), double pointed needles, picking up 2 stitches as knit or purl at the beginning of each needle, and knit 2, purl 2 as the stitches present themselves, work one round. (You'll have the rib pattern established, and 6 sts on the two needles. This will help avoid “holes” on the sides, and offer comfort for the thumb.)

Now work the thumb cuff onto 3 double pointed needles (k2, p2 per needle).

Rnds 1-10:* K2, p2; repeat from * to end

Bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in tail very neatly for a reversible mitt.

Make the second mitt.

This pattern is available on  marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.

Dessert First Mitts pattern pdf is available on Ravelry (login needed)

Copyright 2014, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 11-23-14

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Sock Yarn Kool-Aid Dyeing

10/16/14      This summer, I enjoyed working on tie-dyed projects outside, in the NH sunshine with my daughter & grandkids.  With that experience, knew I had the confidence to try the Kool-Aid dyeing process on bare yarn, in my kitchen, here in Oregon.  I gathered the supplies, and got started.

The project took a couple hours, clean up was nothing more than washing a few dishes, and I had a good time.

Resource:SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS; Edited by Elaine Rowley, (1998) 2007, p72, Dye-Your-Own Socks by Traci Bunkers.    I've had the book since 2008, and finally decided to give this project go!

I also ran a Google search: "Kool-Aid yarn dyeing", and found an
Additional Resource:  Dyed in Wool , by Kristi Porter, Knitty.com

Supplies: bare yarn, microwave-safe dish, powdered drink mixes, mixing containers, tools to apply the dye, water, vinegar, rubber gloves.
Additional Supplies: string, measuring cups, bowl, cookie sheet w/parchment, food color, microwave, cooling rack, sink, tablecloth, apron, washing machine, towel.

I had the directions available, and gathered the recommended supplies. I also had the "crafting" tablecloth at hand. 

As I unwrapped the hank of bare yarn, I knew I wanted to secure the rounds in a couple, really 4 more places.  I used cotton kitchen string to tie the additional bands around the yarn.

Once the yarn was secured, I placed it in a bowl with 2 cups warm water and 1/2 cup vinegar.   While the yarn was soaking, I prepared the drink mixes.

The yarn soaked, and the drink mixes were prepared.  I mixed two packets (one flavor) in 1/2 cup warm water.

I carefully squeezed the excess water from the soaked yarn, and placed the yarn on a cookie sheet w/parchment.  I used a very old cookie sheet, and lined it with parchment to have a white surface. Using the Chef's Condiment Dispenser, I first applied the lemon yellow, and was disappointed because the color/liquid didn't go very far.  I then applied the cherry red with better results, but I didn't have the coverage I wanted.  I was looking at the colorful crafting tablecloth and said, "Why not try food color just like the grandkids used for Easter Eggs?"

The "egg dye" recipes are on the back.  I selected yellow and dusty rose.

Using the Chef's Condiment Dispenser, I applies the "egg" dye. I was much happier with the coverage.

I squeezed out some excess water, I placed the dyed yarn into the microwave-safe dish.

I placed the yarn and dish in the microwave.  The directions said to "cook" for 2 minutes. Let it rest for 2 minutes. Flip the yarn over, and "cook" for 2 more minutes.  If the color wasn't set, let it rest, and "cook" it again.  I "cooked" it again, why not?  Then I set the dish on a cooling rack, and let everything cool. 

I rinsed the yarn in the sink, no excess color rinsed out.

The author suggested putting the yarn into the washer, and running the spin cycle.  I did that.   I have a top loading washer because I like to craft!

I placed the the yarn on a towel to dry.  It was outside for the photo, I brought it inside to dry.

It will be a few days before I can wind the yarn into balls, and start the socks.  I'll work on another project until then.

10/19/14

I moved the yarn inside, and hung it on the back of a door to swing over a heater vent.

I finished another project, and set up for the Socks-Take 5!

It was time to wind the yarn into two balls.  I do not have a swift, and the back of the chair works well.

I wound the yarn around my fingers, then continue to wind the ball with a finger inserted just to keep it winding loosely.

I have a (kitchen) scale that I use only for yarn.  One ball was ready.

Both balls were wound, and I'd cast on for the two socks. 

This was a great project!  I really enjoyed taking the time to dye my own yarn!
If you're still with me, please follow the post for Socks-Take 5 Kool-Aid as I knit the socks.

Socks-Take 5 Kool-Aid

The Socks-Take 5 work well in a superwash wool blend, and this yarn dyed wonderfully! 

                                              Socks-Take 5 Kool-Aid

The Kool-Aid dyed yarn was dry!

Marilynn Blacketer '14

The Socks-Take 5 work well in a superwash wool blend. The Take 5 ribbing is fun work, and the socks can be knit in just a few days making them the perfect gift or accessory.

This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of sock (and stitch) construction is helpful.

Finished size: leg height about 10”,  
leg width about 7” flat, stretch 10”circumference

Gauge: 8 stitches = 1”  Adjust needle size, and row count to match gauge.

Materials:  
Yarn: MC superwash wool blend in fingering weight, 

CC cotton/elastic blend,  
or CC superwash wool blend in fingering weight, 
and 2 yards of waste yarn in a different color

Photo: KnitPicks Stroll, Bare; 75%Superwash Merino Wool/ 25%Nylon;

462yards/100g; Hand dyed with Kool-Aid colors:Black Cherry, Lemonade  

                      (& yellow food color)

KnitPicks Dancing; 41%Cotton, 39%Wool, 13%Nylon, 7%Elastic; color23587

Needles: Size US#2, 16”and 24” circular needles or size US#2 set double pointed needles

tapestry needle, stitch markers

 Resources: Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles   by Cat Bordhi 

KNITTING circles around SOCKS  by Antje Gillingham

Learn to Knit SOCKS   by Edie Eckman

Abbreviations: CO=cast on   k = knit   p= purl   k2tog=knit 2 stitches together      Rnd/s=round/s      sts=stitches       MC = main color       CC= contrasting color

Special Stitches: Take 5 Ribbing 

Rnds 1-4: with MC,  * Knit 3, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: with CC, * Knit 3, purl 2; repeat from * to end 

Directions: The directions are written for adult size (small, medium, large) in parentheses, and working with 2 circular needles. (notes are in italic) Make 2 socks.  

(Detailed tutorial available at Socks-Take 5)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#2 needles, with MC, cast on (75, 90, 105) stitches.

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

with MC, * K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (50, 60, 70) sts

Modification: Size US#3 needles

Sock Leg:

Rnds 1-4: with MC, * K3, p2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: with CC, * K3, p2; repeat from * to end

Repeat rnds 1-5, working leg to the desired length, ending on rnd 4, set up for heel and foot.

(7”, 8”, 9”) from CO

Instep and Heel set up:

(If working with cotton/elastic yarn, cut CC.)

With MC/CC as established, [K3,p2](4,5,6)times, k3; instep stitches. (23, 28, 33)sts instep

Drop MC/CC yarn, and with a strand of different colored yarn knit across heel (27, 32, 37)stitches.

Drop colored strand, pick up MC/CC, and knit across heel (27, 32, 37) stitches once more. After this work instep as established, and knit sole; the heel will be put in later.

Instep and Sole:

Work instep as established, and knit sole until sock measures from heel (colored yarn) marker:

(4.5”, 5.5”,6.5”) for desired length.

Toe:

Rnd 1 & odd rounds: with MC, * K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, k2tog, k1;(instep)

repeat from * to end(sole) (4sts decreased)

Rnd 2 & even rounds: with MC, knit

Continue until (13, 14, 13)sts remain for instep, and (17, 18, 17)sts remain for sole.

Work 2 more rounds: K(13, 14, 13)(instep), k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches on needle, k2tog, k1(sole) With (26, 28, 26) stitches remaining, cut 18” yarn, and work Kitchener Stitch to finish the toe.

I had the Learn to Knit Socks available for the Kitchener Stitch!

Heel:

Carefully slide the (27, 32, 37)sts below(sole), and (27, 32, 37)sts above the colored yarn(leg) to needles. Carefully remove the colored yarn.

Attach MC yarn, knit a round, and pick up one stitch at the beginning and end of the needles. (You'll have (29, 34, 39)sts on each needle, and this will help avoid “holes” on the heel sides.)

Now work the heel the same as the toe.

Rnd 1 & odd rounds: with MC, * K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, k2tog, k1;

repeat from * to end (4 sts decreased)

Rnd 2 & even rounds: with MC, knit

Continue until (26, 28, 26) stitches remain.

Cut 18”yarn, and work Kitchener Stitch to finish the heel.

Finishing: Weave in tails. Make second sock. 

 

This pattern is available on  marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.

Socks- Take 5 pattern pdf is available on Ravelry (login needed)

Copyright 2014, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10-24-14

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com