KISS the Baby Beanies

With a new grandchild arriving this spring, it is time to design a set of new beanies!   
KISS the Baby Beanies work well in a DK acrylic or superwash wool blend. The pattern offers the choice of Rolled Brim, Ribbed Brim or Ribbed KISS the Baby Beanies. The beanies can be knit in just a few days making perfect gifts, accessories, or for charity. This may be considered an advanced beginner/ intermediate level pattern because knowledge of hat (and stitch) construction are helpful.

Finished sizes:

Preemie: flat 8” to 10", stretches to 14” circumference; height 6”

Newborn: flat 10” to 12", stretches to 16”circumference; height 7”

Infant: flat 12” to 14", stretches to 18”circumference; height 8”

Photo: KISS the Baby Beanies (size Newborn: CO 60sts, work 6”, crown decreases) are knit in Beaches DK, by King Cole; 70% Acrylic, 30% Nylon; color: #4277 Paradise Beach;

278 yards / 100 grams (Four (size Newborn) hats were worked from one skein of yarn)

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

Materials: Yarn: acrylic or wool blend in DK weight

Preemie/Newborn: 75yards /1.5 oz(70m/30g) Infant: 125 yards/1.75 oz(115m/50g)

Needles: Size US #6(4mm), 12” or 16” circular needles, and set 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

Rolled Brim KISS the Baby Beanie 

Finished sizes:

Preemie: flat 10”, stretches to 14” circumference, height 6”

Newborn: flat 12”, stretches to 16” circumference, height 7”

Infant flat 14”, stretches to 18” circumference, height 8”

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

Materials: Yarn: acrylic or wool blend in DK weight

Preemie/Newborn: 75yards /1.5 oz(70m/30g) Infant: 125 yards/1.75 oz(115m/50g)

Photo: Rolled Brim KISS the Baby Beanie is knit in Beaches DK, by King Cole;

70% Acrylic, 30% Nylon; color: #4277 Paradise Beach; 278 yards / 100 grams

Needles: Size US #6(4mm), 12” or 16” circular needles, and set double pointed needles.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

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

                Rnd/s = round/s       sts=stitches

Rolled Brim Directions: Directions are written for size preemie [newborn, infant directions are in brackets]. (Notes are in Italic)

Brim: With US#6, 12” [12”,16”] circular needles, long-tail cast-on 50[60,70] sts.

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

Rnds 1-10[12,15]: Knit (1” [1.25”,1.5”])

Hat: (set up: with US#6,12”[12”,16”] circular needles, knit “through the back loop” one round.)

With US#6,12”[12”,16”] circular needles, Knit hat 5”[6”,7”] from CO.

For a taller hat, work extra rounds before starting the crown decreases.

Crown Decreases (set up: * K10, place marker; repeat from * to end)

(helpful hint: Rnds 1-8: * Knit to 2sts before marker, k2tog; repeat to end.)

Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnd 1: * Knit 8, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * Knit 7, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * Knit 6, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * Knit 5, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * Knit 4, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * Knit 3, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 7: * Knit 2, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 8: * Knit 1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: * K2tog, remove markers; repeat from * to end

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

Pull together, and tie off neatly. Weave in tails.

Ribbed Brim KISS the Baby Beanie  

Finished sizes:

Preemie: flat 8”, stretches to 14” circumference, height 6”

Newborn: flat 10”, stretches to 16” circumference, height 7”

Infant: flat 12”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 8”

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

Materials: Yarn: acrylic or wool blend in DK weight

Preemie/Newborn: 75yards /1.5 oz(70m/30g) Infant: 125 yards/1.75 oz(115m/50g)

Photo: Ribbed Brim KISS the Baby Beanie is knit in Beaches DK, by King Cole;

70% Acrylic, 30% Nylon; color: #4277 Paradise Beach; 278 yards / 100 grams

Needles: Size US #6(4mm), 12” or 16” circular needles, and set 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

Ribbed Brim Directions: Directions are written for size preemie [newborn, infant directions are in brackets]. (Notes are in Italic)

Brim: With US#6, 12” [12”,16”] circular needles, long-tail cast-on 50[60,70] sts.

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

Rnds 1- 10[12,15]: Knit 1, purl 1 (1” [1.25”,1.5”])

Hat: With US#6,12”[12”,16”] circular needles, Knit hat 5”[6”,7”] from CO.

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

Crown Decreases (set up: * K10, place marker; repeat from * to end)

(helpful hint: Rnds 1-8: * Knit to 2sts before marker, k2tog; repeat to end.)

Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnd 1: * Knit 8, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * Knit 7, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * Knit 6, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * Knit 5, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * Knit 4, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * Knit 3, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 7: * Knit 2, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 8: * Knit 1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: * K2tog, remove markers; repeat from * to end

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

Pull together, and tie off neatly. Weave in tails.

Ribbed KISS the Baby Beanie  
 

Finished sizes:

Preemie: 8”, stretches to 14” circumference, height 6”

Newborn: flat 10”, stretches to 16”circumference, height 7”

Infant: flat 12”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 8”

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

Materials: Yarn: acrylic or wool blend in DK weight

Preemie/Newborn: 75yards /1.5 oz(70m/30g) Infant: 125 yards/1.75 oz(115m/50g);

Photo: Ribbed KISS the Baby Beanie is knit in Beaches DK, by King Cole;

70% Acrylic, 30% Nylon; color: #4277 Paradise Beach; 278 yards / 100 grams

Needles: Size US #6(4mm), 12” or 16” circular needles, and set 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

Ribbed Directions: Directions are written for size preemie [newborn, infant directions are in brackets]. (Notes are in Italic)

Brim&Hat: With US#6, 12” [12”,16”] circular needles, long-tail cast-on 50[60,70] sts.

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

Rnds: Knit 1, purl 1 until hat measures 5”[6”,7”] from CO.

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

Crown Decreases (set up: * (K1,p1)5times, place marker; repeat from * to end)

(helpful hint: Rnds 1-8: * work in pattern to 2sts before marker, k2tog; repeat to end.)

Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnd 1: * (K1, p1)4times, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * (K1, p1)3times, k1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * (K1, p1)3times, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * (K1,p1)2times, k1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * (K1,p1)2times, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * K1, p1, k1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 7: * K1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 8: * Knit 1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: * K2tog, remove markers; repeat from * to end

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

Pull together, and tie off neatly. Weave in tails. This will create a very reversible hat.

This pattern is available on marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.

Copyright 2019, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10/21/19

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com 
pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com 

Knit a BLANK and dye!

Taking inspiration from ChemKnits YouTube Videos,  I purchased two boxes of  PAAS Classic to dye a hank of KnitPicksStroll Fingering, 75%Superwash Wool/25%Nylon,  437yards/100grams, color Natural. 
Resources: ChemKnits
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 use it as a good recipe.
Also check out: ChemKnitsCreations Etsy Shop to enjoy/purchase her beautifully dyed yarns!

Supplies: bare yarn, microwave-safe dish, 2 PAAS Classic Egg Decorating Kits, water, vinegar, cookie sheet, rubber gloves
Additional Supplies:  measuring cups, bowl, microwave, sink, tablecloth, apron, towels.



BUT first, I wanted to knit a BLANK because I wanted to create a gradient yarn. 
I wound the hank of yarn into a ball. With 10mm, 16" circular needles, I held short tails together to work the yarn from the inside&out.  I worked the knitted cast-on to cast-on 100stitches.  I carefully joined the work to knit in the round. KNIT 50 rounds. With 5yards yarn remaining, I used a simple bind-off, and secured the last loop&tail with a locking stitch marker. It was a rainy day, and this project took about 5 hours.

 Let me repeat myself:
Taking inspiration from ChemKnits YouTube Videos, I purchased two boxes of  PAAS Classic to dye a hank of KnitPicks Stroll Fingering, 75%Superwash Wool / 25%Nylon,  462yards/100grams, color Natural.  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.
Resources: ChemKnits
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 use it as a good recipe.
Also check out: ChemKnitsCreations Etsy Shop to enjoy/purchase her beautifully dyed yarns!
Supplies: bare yarn, microwave-safe dish, 2 PAAS Classic Egg Decorating Kits, water, vinegar, cookie sheet, rubber gloves
Additional Supplies:  measuring cups, bowl, food color, microwave, sink, tablecloth, apron, towels.

Here are photos of the process:

I gathered supplies, and removed most of the hanging stitch markers.  I presoaked the blank for 30 minutes in 2 cups water & 1/2 cup vinegar.

I gently squeezed out the water&vinegar, and I folded the blank vertically. Four layers of  double stranded knitted blank fit in the cookie sheet. Remembering the color wheel or a rainbow, I started with the blue.  I placed one tablet on the top left, and the matching tablet on the underside to the right.   I added a 1/2cup of the water&vinegar solution. I let that sit for 10minutes. Then added the green tablets, with another 1/2cup water&vinegar. I let it sit 10 more minutes.

I mixed an additional 2cups water& 1/2vinegar.  It was time to introduce the yellow, solution, 10minutes.  Then added the orange, solution, and 10minutes.

I added both red & pink tablets and remaining solution.  There was plenty of liquid, and I tipped the work toward the blue just to help with the green running/bleeding. 

I leveled things out, and let it sit for 1.5 hours.

I rolled the blank vertically.  Yes, there was still dye available.

I coiled the work into a small glass pan.  I microwaved 2 minutes, let it cool 2 minutes. I did that 5 times.  I let it cool for an hour. 

I rinsed.  I didn't see bleeding, I think the color was reflection.  I added a little dish soap, and rinsed again. 

I placed it on a towel to dry! 

Copyright 2019, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 4-9-19

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Wintery Socks

I was very excited about creating hand dyed yarn!  It was bright and looked great  held with another strand of yarn. Sooo, 

Taking inspiration from the mission and guidelines of Wool-Aid, the Wintery Socks were designed to create a warm woolen pair of socks for a child who lives in the coldest climate and has the least access to resources. 
The Wintery Socks work well in a fingering superwash wool blend, held with wool worsted weight yarn. The socks are worked as a K2 x P2 rib, with optional directions for Rib & Ridges, and Rib Interrupted modifications. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of sock (and stitch) construction is helpful.

Finished size: leg height about 10”, about 7” flat, stretch 10”circumference, foot length 9.5”
(update: 3/17/19 pattern pdf available with additional sizes on Ravelry) 

Gauge: 5 stitches, 6 rows = 1” Adjust needle size, and row count to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: superwash wool blend in fingering weight, 100% worsted weight,

and 3 yards worsted waste yarn for set-up afterthought heel

Photo: KnitPicks Chroma Twist, 70%Superwash Wool/30%Nylon,  437yards/100grams, color Natural, then hand dyed with PAAS Classic Egg Decorating Kit and red & pink food color (this project used 50grams of the fingering yarn)

Classic Heather by Ella Rae, Worsted 100% Wool 219 yards / 100 grams, color 164

Needles: Size US#7(4.5mm), 16”and 24” circular needles or size US#7 set double pointed needles

and smaller set double pointed needles to pick up stitches for afterthought heel

Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers

Resources: Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles , by Cat Bordhi;

KNITTING circles around SOCKS ,by Antje Gillingham

Abbreviations: CO= cast on       K = knit       p= purl       k2tog=knit 2 stitches together       MC=main color       Rnd/s=round/s      st/s=stitch/es

Directions: The directions are written for size child/teen, and working with 2 circular needles.

(notes are in italic) Make 2 socks.

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#7 needles, cast on 60stitches.

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

Set Up: * K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (40 sts = 20sts per needle)

Leg Rnds: with 20sts per needle, K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1.

Work leg 8” from heel CO for desired height.

Optional: 
Cuff: Rnds: 1-15: K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1.

Rib & Ridges:

Rnd 1: Knit

Rnd 2: K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1.

Optional: 
Cuff: Rnds: 1-15: K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1.

Rib Interrupted

Rnds 1-4: K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1.

Rnd 5: Purl (Set up for Instep and Heel following a Rnd 4)

Instep and Heel set up:

Work front needle/instep as established.

Heel: Drop MCyarn, and with a strand of different colored yarn knit across heel 20 stitches.

Turn, and with the strand of different colored yarn purl back across heel to end/beginning of needle.

Drop colored strand, pick up MC, and knit across heel 20 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;

6” for desired length.

Toe:

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

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

Rnd 2 & even rounds: Knit

Continue until 10sts remain for instep, and 10sts remain for sole.

With 20 stitches remaining, cut 18” yarn, and work Kitchener Stitch to finish the toe.

Heel:

Carefully slide the 20sts below(sole), and 20sts above the colored yarn(leg) to needles. Carefully remove the colored yarn.  Attach MC yarn, pick up one stitch at the beginning of needle, as you knit a round, pick up one stitch at the end of the needles. (44sts =  22sts per needle, and this will help avoid “holes” on the heel sides.)  Now, work the heel the same as the toe.

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

repeat from * to end (4 sts decreased)

Rnd 2 & even rounds: Knit

Continue until 10sts remain for leg, and 10sts remain for sole.

With 20 stitches remaining, 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.

Wintery Socks pattern pdf available on Ravelry.
Copyright 2019, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2-24-19

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com