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

Rhombi Hats

UPDATE: 9/6/14

While designing hats with knit & purl stitches for the eBook called Precocious Purls, I found another interesting pattern in 400 knitting stitches, Tiles2, p42.  The pattern creates a diamond, but remembering my many years as a second grade educator, "Your teacher, and the math program, will call that a rhombus".  I have modified the pattern, and because the hats will have a few diamonds in a row, they'll be called the Rhombi Hat, and Rhombi Moss Hat.    

As I did a Ravelry (login needed) search for "diamond, hat, knit", I  found 250 matches.  Some of the matches were because knitters used a Diamond Yarn pattern leaflet.  There were/are some beautiful patterns, but none of the patterns available matched the Rhombi Hats I am presenting.  The  Ravelry search for  "rhombus, hat, knit" generated only 4 matches, and I'll go with that.

Rhombi Hats

Marilynn Blacketer '14

The Rhombi Hats work well in a cotton or wool blend.

Yes, the knit and purl stitches create a diamond, but your teacher will call it a rhombus. The Rhombus or Rhombus Moss charts are a great introduction to chart reading, and gives the knitter something interesting to do. If finished neatly, the recipient can wear it inside-out for a reversible look.

Each hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for either gender.

Finished sizes:

Adult: flat 14”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 9”

Child: flat 12”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”

Infant: flat 10”, 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

Adult: 150 yards/ 2.5oz; Child: 125 yards /2 oz Infant: 90yards / 1.5 oz

Photo: Rhombi Hat is knit in Plymouth Encore worsted; 75%acrylic/ 25%wool; color 560

Rhombi Moss Hat is knit in Plymouth Fantasy Naturale worsted; 100%cotton; color 4548

Needles: Size US#8, 16” 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       p2tog= purl 2 stitches together       Rnd/s = round/s      sts = stitches

(These 12stitches and 15rows create the rhombus pattern)

Key: knit     , purl -

 Special Stitches: Rhombus

Rnd 1: k5, p1, k6

Rnd 2: k4, p1, k1, p1, k5

Rnd 3: k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4

Rnd 4: k2, p1, k1, p3, k1, p1, k3

Rnd 5: k1, p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, k2

Rnd 6: p1, k1, p7, k1, p1, k1

Rnd 7: k1, p9, k1, p1

Rnd 8: p11, k1

Rnd 9: k1, p9, k1, p1

Rnd 10: p1, k1, p7, k1, p1, k1

Rnd 11: k1, p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, k2

Rnd 12: k2, p1, k1, p3, k1, p1, k3

Rnd 13: k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4

Rnd 14: k4, p1, k1, p1, k5

Rnd 15: k5, p1, k6

As you work the chart, start in the bottom right corner, and work right to left. By reading and working in this manner, your stitches will follow the direction of the chart. On the hat, place a marker at the end of each 12 stitch repeat, and start counting again at "one."  It's helpful to keep pencil tallies on a post-a-note to mark the rounds, and move the post-a-note up, as you work your way up the chart.

(These 12stitches and 15rows create the rhombus moss pattern)

Key: knit     , purl -

Special Stitches: Rhombus Moss

Rnd 1: k5, p1, k6

Rnd 2: k4, p1, k1, p1, k5

Rnd 3: k3, p1, (k1, p1)2times, , k4

Rnd 4: k2, p1, (k1, p1)3times, k3

Rnd 5: (k1, p1)5times, k2

Rnd 6: (p1, k1)6times

Rnd 7: (k1, p1)6times

Rnd 8: (p1, k1)6times

Rnd 9: (k1, p1) 6times

Rnd 10: (p1, k1)6times

Rnd 11: (k1, p1)5times, k2

Rnd 12: k2, p1, (k1, p1)3times, k3

Rnd 13: k3, p1, (k1, p1)2times, k4

Rnd 14: k4, p1, k1, p1, k5

Rnd 15: k5, p1, k6

Directions: Directions are written for adult size. [child and infant directions are in brackets]

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size #8, 16” circular needles. Cast on 84 [72, 60] stitches.

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

Brim:

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

Hat: Work the hat around in rhombus or rhombus moss pattern.

Rhombus pattern:

Rnd 1: * K5, p1, k6, place marker; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * K4, p1, k1, p1, k5; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * K3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * K2, p1, k1, p3, k1, p1, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * K1, p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * P1, k1, p7, k1, p1, k1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 7: * K1, p9, k1, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 8: * P11, k1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: * K1, p9, k1, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: * P1, k1, p7, k1, p1, k1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 11: * K1, p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 12: * K2, p1, k1, p3, k1, p1, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnd 13: * K3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnd 14: * K4, p1, k1, p1, k5; repeat from * to end

Rnd 15: * K5, p1, k6; repeat from * to end

     

Optional Rhombus Moss pattern:   

Rnd 1: * k5, p1, k6, place marker; repeat from * to end
Rnd 2: * k4, p1, k1, p1, k5; repeat from * to end
Rnd 3: * k3, p1, (k1, p1)2times, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * k2, p1, (k1, p1)3times, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * (k1, p1)5times, k2; repeat from * to end
Rnd 6: * (p1, k1)6times; repeat from * to end
Rnd 7: * (k1, p1)6times; repeat from * to end 
Rnd 8: * (p1, k1)6times; repeat from * to end 
Rnd 9: * (k1, p1) 6times; repeat from * to end
Rnd 10: * (p1, k1)6times; repeat from * to end

Rnd 11: * (k1, p1)5times, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 12: * k2, p1, (k1, p1)3times, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnd 13: * k3, p1, (k1, p1)2times, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnd 14: * k4, p1, k1, p1, k5; repeat from * to end

Rnd 15: * k5, p1, k6; repeat from * to end

Work the hat in pattern for 8” [7”, 6”] from CO ending on round 15 or round 8.

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

Crown decreases: Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Crown decreases ending hat at round 15:

Rnd 1: * K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8: Knit

Rnd 3: * K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end

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

Rnd 9: * K2tog; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 10: * K2tog; repeat from * to end.

          Crown decreases ending hat at round 8:

          Rnd 1: * P4, p2tog; repeat from * to end

          Rnds  2, 4, 6, 8: Purl

          Rnd 3: * P3, p2tog; repeat from * to end

          Rnd 5: * P2, p2tog; repeat from * to end

          Rnd 7: * P1, p2tog; repeat from * to end

          Rnd 9: * P2tog; repeat from * to end

          Rnd 10: * P2tog; repeat from * to end

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn and thread end through remaining 7 [6, 5] stitches.

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

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

This pattern pdf available on Ravelry.com. (login needed)
eBook Precocious Purls is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2014, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 9/6/14

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Hat - Check It Out!

Check It Out!  I started the hat prototype with stash yarn while waiting with the grandkids for camp registration.   I knitted a couple more hats while the week was quiet because the grandkids were at camp.  I completed another while enjoying the songs of the final campfire, and waiting to pick them up.

Hat - Check It Out! 

Marilynn Blacketer '14

The Hat – Check It Out! works well in a cotton or wool blend. The 5/5 checks (400 knitting stitches, by Potter Craft, p21) and color effect give the knitter something interesting to do, and if finished neatly, the recipient can wear it inside-out for a very reversible look. This hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for either gender.

Finished sizes:

Adult: flat 18”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 9”

Child: flat 16”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”

Infant: flat 12”, stretches to 16”circumference; height 7”

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

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Adult: 150 yards/ 2.5oz; Child: 125 yards/ 2 oz; Infant: 90 yards / 1.5oz

Photo: Hat – Check It Out! is knit in Plymouth Yarn Encore worsted; 75%acrylic/ 25%wool;

colors 515, and 517

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

Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle

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

p = purl p2tog= purl 2 stitches together Rnd = round sts = stitches

Special Stitches: 5/5 Checks

Rounds 1- 7: *Knit 5, purl 5; repeat from * to end

Rounds 8- 14 : * Purl 5, knit 5; repeat from * to end

(These 10 stitches and 14 rounds create the 5/5 Checks. )

Color effect: Work Odd rnds: Color A; Work Even rnds: Color B

Directions: Directions are written for adult size. [child and infant directions are in brackets]

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size #8, 16” circular needles.

Cast on 80 [70, 60] stitches.

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

Brim Rnds 1-14[12, 10]: With color B, * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Hat: Odd rnds: Color A; Even rnds: Color B

Rnds 1-7: * K5, p5; repeat from * to end

Rnds 8-14: * P5, k5; repeat from * to end

Work the hat in pattern for 8", [7”, 6”] from CO, ending on rnd 7, or rnd 14.

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

Crown: Continue to work rounds of Color A and Color B as established.

Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Crown decreases ending hat at rnd 7:

Rnd 1: * P3, p2tog, k5; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * P4, k3, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * P2, p2tog, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * P3, k2, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * P1, p2tog, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * P2, k1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 7: * P2tog, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 8: * P1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: * K2tog; repeat from * until 8,[7,6] sts remain.

Crown decreases ending hat at rnd 14:

Rnd 1: * K5, p3, p2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * K3, k2tog, p4; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * K4, p2, p2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * K2, k2tog, p3; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * K3, p1, p2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 6: * K1, k2tog, p2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 7: * K2, p2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 8: * K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 9: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * until 8,[7,6] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn colors A & B and thread end through remaining stitches. Pull together, and tie off neatly for a reversible hat.

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Hat - Check It Out pattern pdf is available at Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2014, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 7/11/14

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

The hat's texture is created with just  knit & purl stitches. The adult hat takes about 100 yards of 

color B, and 50 yards of color A. This is a fun hat to knit, and great stash buster.

Caterpillar Surprise Hat

Happy Mother's Day!   I know it's a bit early, but we're pretty excited about the arrival of a new grandson in September, and this Grams thinks that special occasion calls for a Caterpillar Surprise Hat! Why not include the serendipitous Stepping Stones Hat, too?
 

(4/30/14)Ravelry notes (login needed): I am very excited about this project! I noticed the caterpillar stitch, p15, while looking through 400 knitting stitches, by Potter Craft. I’ve made an interpretation of the stitch by working knit 5, purl 1. The caterpillars will appear as the hat is turned inside-out.  I started, and finished this little hat while riding the bus for a Sou’Wester Garden Club field trip to Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland, WA.  It was a good day!

Newborn Caterpillar Surprise Hat

Marilynn Blacketer '14

Caterpillar Surprise,  serendipitous Stepping Stones

The Caterpillar Surprise works well in a cotton or wool blend. The caterpillar surprise is an interpretation of the caterpillar stitch (400 knitting stitches, by Potter Craft, p15). The hat is worked with more knits and just a few purls. This gives the knitter something interesting to do, and if finished neatly, the recipient can flip the hat inside-out for the caterpillars to appear.  Caterpillar Surprise Hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for either gender. 

 I am enjoying this project, and purchased an earth-tone DK to re-knit the first hat because I think that interpretation of the caterpillar stitch looks more like stepping stones. I love serendipity.

Caterpillar Surprise,  serendipitous Stepping Stones

Finished sizes:

Newborn: flat 10” stretch 16” circumference, height 6”

      [Adult: flat 16”, stretches to 24” circumference, height 10”]

      [Child: flat 15”, stretches to 22” circumference, height 9”]

     [Infant: flat 14”, stretches to 20” circumference, height 8”]

Gauge: 5.5 stitches = 1” Adjust needle size to match gauge. 
      [5 stitches =1"     Adjust needle size to match gauge] 

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in DK weight      Newborn: 50yards/0.6oz

[Worsted weight: Adult: 150 yards/ 2.5oz; Child: 125 yards/ 2oz; Infant: 90 yards/ 1.5oz]

Photo: Newborn Caterpillar Surprise and Stepping Stone Hats are knit in Plymouth Yarn Encore DK; 75%acrylic/ 25%wool     colors: 451green, 6002tan(brown)

Needles: Newborn: Size US#5, US#6, 12” circular needles, set size US#6 double pointed needles

[Adult, Child, Infant: Size US#7, US#8, 16” circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles]

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      K = knit       P = purl      Rnd = rounds      sts = stitches

      pm = place marker      k2tog= knit 2 stitches together

Key: knit   , purl -

Special Stitches: Caterpillar Surprise

(Asymmetrical, reversible, flip inside-out to find the caterpillars)

Rnds 1- 8: *Knit 11, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 9, 10: Knit

Rnds 11-18 : * Knit 8, purl 1, knit 3; repeat from * to end

Rnds 19, 20: Knit 
(These 12 stitches and 20 rows create the caterpillar surprise pattern.)

Key: knit   , purl -

                          
     


Special Stitches: serendipitous Stepping Stones

(Symmetrical, reversible, think of patio pavers)  
Rnds 1-10: * Knit 5, purl 1; repeat from * to end 
Rnds 11-20: * Knit 2, purl 1, knit 3; repeat from * to end 

(These 6 stitches and 20 rows create the stepping stones pattern.) 

 Directions: Directions are written for size Newborn using DK yarn.

      [Adult, child, and infant directions are in brackets and italic. Use worsted weight yarn, 
      and size US#7, US#8 needles]

Brim: Use the long-tail cast-on method, with US #5, 12” circular needles.      [US#7]

Cast on 60 stitches.                                                                                             [84, 72, 60]sts

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

Rnds 1-10: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Hat: Caterpillar Surprise

With US#6, 12”circular needles,                                                                   [US#8]

Rnds 1-8: *Knit 11, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 9, 10: Knit

Rnds 11-18 : * Knit 8, purl 1, knit 3; repeat from * to end

Rnds 19, 20: Knit

To work rounds 11-18, I placed a second blue marker after the first purl 1, then counted as I had for rounds 1-8, remembering rounds 9, 10 and 19, 20 were knit. 

           Hat: Stepping Stones

           With US#6, 12”circular needles,                                                      [US#8]

           Rnds 1-10: * Knit 5, purl 1; repeat from * to end

           Rnds 11-20: * Knit 2, purl 1, knit 3; repeat from * to end

To work rounds 11-20, I placed a second blue marker after the first purl 1, then counted as I had for rounds 1-10.

Work in Caterpillar Surprise or Stepping Stones pattern (ending on round 10 or 20) 
                             for 5” from CO.            [8”,7”, 6”] from CO

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

Crown: Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnd 1: * K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end            50sts                                    [70, 60, 50]sts

Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8 : Knit

Rnd 3: * K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end            40sts                                    [56, 48,40]sts

Rnd 5: * K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end            30sts                                    [42, 36, 30]sts

Rnd 7: * K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end            20sts                                    [28, 24, 20]sts

Rnds 9, 10: * K2tog; repeat from * to end             5sts                                         [7, 6, 5]sts

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

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

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com
Pattern pdf is available on Ravelry (login needed)

Copyright 2014, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 5-11-14
 For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Newborn Caterpillar Surprise and Stepping Stones Hats!

UPDATE: 9/15/14

Our little caterpillar surprise!