OMG! Heart

Why has Ravelry never gotten its own post on my website!? It’s been an institution online for the Knitting and Crochet community since its inception. And something that is such a given sometimes people forget to mention it! I’d been knitting for years but only found out about it around 2010. I guess I was knitting in my own bubble without many friends who shared my hobby and oblivious to such a thriving community. So perhaps a post like this may help other ninja bubble knitters (and crocheters!).

Great Community
There’s lots of groups and networks for whatever your knitting or crocheting heart desires. Ask questions in the forum, look for pattern help, plug in and make some new friends, share your expertise, or simply post your completed projects for the whole community to see. Trolling the groups is also a great way to get a birds eye view into the knitting and crochet subculture.

Great Tools
There are lots of great tools too like a project tracker, stash manager, needles and hooks manager, you can favorite your favorite projects, place them in a queue, keep track of works in progress, and check out what others have to say about the pattern you’re working on. And the tools don’t suck. All the yarns actually link to the manufacturer, colorway, etc. You can even include when you bought it and the price. They’ve really thought of everything.

For crafters who also sell their handmades online, it’s a great way to maximize your exposure. Kind of like Facebook but for Knitting or Crochet only!

What I Like Best
The really advanced pattern finder. You can search for very specific things from hats for kids in worsted weight yarn only to all free patterns for skirts to only projects using Size I9 hooks or US SIze 5 Needles. It’s really handy. For crafters looking for just the right pattern or some inspiration it’s really one of the best pattern finders out there. Simply because it’s crowd sourced!

You can also find lots of helpful pattern insight. For example, if someone or some people have already worked on your pattern and posted it up, you can find it there, check out their comments and errata to see if they’ve stumbled across the same problems you have! There are so many projects and patterns, especially free ones found online, that it’s probably been done by someone on Ravelry! Yup, it’s that great.

The only cons are you must be logged in to see anything. So someone cannot simply link to a page, me on Ravelry, and just see some content. Which I find really restrictive. They should make some pages public or at least partially public like on Facebook! It would at least give people a taste of what they might be signing up for before they sign up. Other than that I hope they never change how well it works or how many great features they offer!

It’s Free!
Ravelry now has 3 million users! So it’s popular and definitely a powerful resource. 3 million knitters and crocheters from all over the world is in itself a cool concept. It’s really a knitter or crocheter’s dream online buddy. For those who are especially organized, it’s got everything you need to satisfy your obsession. Really. If you’re not already on there, check it out. It’s free to join, and you’ll find there’s something on there to suit every fiber need from dabblers to die hards!

Materials:
2 Balls Lion Brand Yarn Lion Wool, Color 187 Goldenrod, 158 yards, $5.99
Stitch Marker
Tapestry Needle

Needles:
US Size 5 [3.75mm] Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needles, 16inch
US Size 5 [3.75mm] Double Pointed Knitting Needles (dpns)
Cable Needle

Measurements:
23″ circumference
8″ inches high

Gauge:
4.5 Stitches per Inch
5 Rows per Inch

Skill Level: Intermediate

Pattern:
Body:
Cast On 162 stitches.
Round 1: Color A [K1, bring yarn forward, slip next stitch purlwise, bring yarn back]. Repeat from [...] until end of round.
Round 2: Color B [slip next stitch purlwise, bring yarn forward, P1, bring yarn back]. Repeat from [...] until end of round.
Round 3 – 80: Repeat Rounds 1-2 for 39 more times. Or until hat measure 6.5 inches tall. Make sure to end on Round 2.

Begin Decrease Rounds:
Decrease Round 1: Color A: *[K1, bring yarn forward, slip 1, bring yarn back] 7 times, slip next stitch (color A) purlwise, place next stitch (color B) on cable needle and hold at back, place first stitch back on left needle and knit it together with next stitch (both stitches should be color A), bring yarn to front, place color B stitch back from cable needle onto left needle, slip both color B stitches purlwise, bring yarn back*. Repeat from * to * until end of round.
Decrease Round 2: Color B: *[slip next stitch purlwise, bring yarn forward, P1, bring yarn back] 7 times, slip next stitch purlwise (should be the stitch you decreased above), bring yarn forward, P2tog (both stitches should be color B), bring yarn back*. Repeat from * to * until end of round. (144 stitches)
Decrease Round 3: Repeat Round 1 (of original pattern).
Decrease Round 4: Repeat Round 2 (of original pattern).
Decrease Round 5: Repeat Decrease Round 1 but substitute “7 times” for “6 times”.
Decrease Round 6: Repeat Decrease Round 2 but substitute “7 times” for “6 times”. (126 stitches)
Decrease Round 7-8: Repeat Round 1-2 (of original pattern).
Decrease Round 9-10: Repeat Decrease Round 1-2 but substitute “7 times” for “5 times”. (108 stitches)
Decrease Round 11-12: Repeat Round 1-2 (of original pattern).
Decrease Round 13-14: Repeat Decrease Round 1-2 but substitute “7 times” for “4 times”. (90 stitches)
Decrease Round 15-16: Repeat Round 1-2 (of original pattern).
Decrease Round 17-18: Repeat Decrease Round 1-2 but substitute “7 times” for “3 times”. (72 stitches)
Decrease Round 19-20: Repeat Round 1-2 (of original pattern).
Decrease Round 21-22: Repeat Decrease Round 1-2 but substitute “7 times” for “2 times”. (54 stitches)
Decrease Round 23-24: Repeat Decrease Round 1-2 but substitute “7 times” for “1 times”. (36 stitches)
Decrease Round 25-26: K2tog/P2tog around (slipping stitches only to rearrange them). (18 stitches)

Finish:
Cut yarn ends leaving 8″ tail. Thread each yarn end onto tapestry needle and through like-colored stitches. Cinch yarn end to close the top of each side of the hat. Weave ends in on each side by following the path of the stitches (like duplicate stitch) so they are not visible.

Make oversized pompom. Approx. 3 inches wide. Make sure to leave ample tail for attaching. Attach pompom.

Weave in ends.

How to Make a Perfect Pompom
I wanted a good fat puffy GIANT POMPOM! I also wanted to make make sure it was about 2.5 to 3 inches wide. But i didnt want to spend money or buy extra junk like a pompom maker, so I came up with an easy way to make a pompom template.

All you need is some scrap cardboard, scissors, a mug and a quarter or an old CD to use as stencils.

Make 2 rings (like a donut shape), cut a slit through the rings making the donut shape into a C-shape. Widen the slit by trimming some more off the ends so it’s easy to pass the yarn through.

Take yarn, wrap around the C-shape as if you’re trying to make a yarn covered “C”. No need for needles or pre-cutting yarn. Just slip yarn through the slit to wrap. This way there’s no wasted yarn, the working end of the yarn is coming straight from the ball and you’ll never run out.

To make sure the pompom comes out the size needed: e.g. If you need a 3 inch pompom, the rings have to be about 1.5 inches thick (plus a little extra for trimming).

When full enough, snip edges, pull yarn tail through, cinch, and tie. Fluff and trim making sure to not trim off yarn tail. You’ll need that to attach the pompom.

Here are some other great references with detailed photos on how to make a pompom:
www.inklingsandyarns.com
www.prudentbaby.com
www.classiceliteyarns.com
www.ehow.com

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Hello Kollabora.com! You new crafty website you… Hmm, what to say about this new online community slash craft site that’s kind of like a when Craftsy met PS I Made This and I Spy DIY love triangle?

1.) Somebody over there is my long lost craft twin.
2.) Fiberistas unite!
3.) Seriously though, did you make this site for me?
A.) Kraft Krush!

I first heard about it through a lovely welcome note I got in my inbox! On first glance, I liked the layout and design, visual yet minimal Pinterest-style moodboardy. M.I.A. as interpreted by Saved By The Bell font. But further exploration revealed it’s chock full of great projects and handy features for the savvy crafter.

I raided their pattern library for some great projects. Here’s just a few of my picks, take a peek, you get the idea. :) Join the Kollabora community too and share your knit love. Heck Yeah!

❤ Patterns range from Free to Pricey! Quick to Fair Isle.

❤ It’s not just for Knitting and Crochet, but also features Sewing and Jewelry! The Quad-fecta.

❤ Fun Fact: Kollabora features many knits/designs from people and places I love!! Many already featured on my site. Sister from another misterrr! I also met a bunch of the Kollabora team at this year’s Maker Faire where they had a really fun booth full of Berninas and Novelty Yarn.

❤ Bonus: Kollabora makes shopping for your project materials easy! Just click on a project you like, check the items you need, {pattern, yarn, needles}, GO! And voila, all the materials you need for that one project without having to click all over the internet (lazy fingers) for them! x.x $$$ Q.Q

Patterns In This Post:
Florence and the Machine Sweater
Novita’s Snood Dogg
Fair Isle Capelet
Greta Capelet
Halloween Origami
(more…)

I was looking for some skirt patterns to try and here are my two faves. I loved the pleats and also wanted to try knitting in the “short rows” or “wrap and turn” technique. I am currently working on the Hey Mickey skirt. Both patterns are free!

Hey Mickey Skirt by Jacquelyn Landry
This is great for a beginner to intermediate knitter. This simple skirt is custom to your measurements. And your yarn choice! Make a gauge swatch with your preferred yarn and needle size. Fill in a few numbers based on the stitches per inch from your swatch, height of skirt, and height of waistband and voila! You can use the same pattern to custom create a skirt for your toddler or yourself!

This skirt is knit pleat by pleat instead of from the top down. So you only change colors after each pleat and can try on the skirt as you go, just wrap around your waist with the pleats going vertical to see if it fits! It’s done when it wraps comfortably around your waist. [pdf]

Full Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hey-mickey
http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/PATTmickey.html

Ashley Skirt by Louet Yarns
This is an intermediate to advanced pattern that’s also a pleat-style skirt that’s very stylish and comes in two looks! It’s a really nice pattern especially considering it’s free! The skirt is done in Louet Euro Flax, a gorgeous linen yarn!

The instructions are hard to decipher at first but it includes a crochet cast on, needle changes, many colors, and a mix of knitting techniques like short rows and picking up stitches. [pdf]

Full Pattern:
http://www.louet.com/pattern_details/ashley.shtml

“Short Rows” or “Wrap and Turn”
Purl Bee has a lovely simple straight-forward tutorial on how to perform this technique here, Purl Bee Short Row Tutorial. In short, it’s a way to knit extra rows into a piece partway through a row! It’s a great way to do shaping for style and fit in knitting. In this case, it makes a kind of built-in pleat and without much work!

An easy rule of thumb I use is:
1. Always slip the stitch first and always purl-wise
2. Move the yarn to the opposite side of where it is now
3. Do it again. Backwards. Slip the original slipped stitch back to the other needle (where it was before). Move the yarn back to the opposite side again (to where it was before). Done!

You have just wrapped the yarn around that stitch and thus completed a “wrap and turn”. Now turn your work over and continue just like you would a new row! Finish out the row and you have just completed one short row!

I wanted to knit but didn’t have a project I wanted to do. So I raided Knit Rowan’s free pattern library and found some great stuff!! I was looking for something easy that I could wear now like a skirt… I didn’t find a skirt pattern but these are worth a mention because they’re really nice for free patterns. And in the Intermediate to Advanced skill range too! Usually free patterns are very basic and include things like scarves, hats, baby stuff, or home dec and don’t have the extra details and finishing that sets a basic project apart from more advanced projects. But these are a wide range of apparel with lots of fine details. e.g. Check out the Batwing Jacket and the Box Pleat Cardi! WOW! So YAY Rowan and thanks!

You’ll have to register and create an account in order to view and download these patterns but it’s worth it!

• 
  Hooded Baby Poncho – Devon [pdf]
• 
  Tunic – Dusky [pdf]
• 
  Baby Blanket – Bunny Blanket [pdf]
• 
  Sleeveless Sweater Fair Isle – Embrace [pdf]
• 
  Crop Sweater – Beth [pdf]
• 
  Poncho – Megan [pdf]
• 
  Balloon Sleeve Crop Sweater – Millet [pdf]
• 
  Classic Sweater – Couch [pdf]

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Here are a bunch of free dog sweater patterns I found while trolling Ravelry for some, well, free dog sweater patterns! I’ve been looking to try some for awhile but still haven’t gotten around to it. I have not tried any of the below yet but will in the near future hopefully!

OMG! Heart this website, Grandmother’s Pattern Book! It’s kind of a weird looking site but it’s chock full of mostly free Crochet and Knit Patterns from across the web. Lots of vintage and unusual patterns. From amigurumis to accessories to apparel. Frogs and Toads to Skorts and Skirts! It links out to many great pattern websites too so it’s a good way to discover new sites! Here are some highlights below.

Patio Pants Set and Eyelet Pants Set

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I found this lovely free pattern while browsing ConnieLene Knits! I like the classic yet contemporary style of this jacket. It can suit a variety of styles and looks. I can see it on anyone from me to my mom or perhaps it can even be unisex depending on the look. Versatile! ConnieLene was nice enough to share some more detailed photos (as seen in this post) of her completed jacket and some history about the piece! It was included in an exhibition in Auckland, NZ, 2007. Her design and the full pattern can be found below!

I like the pattern itself because it is knitted all in one piece, from the left cuff to the right cuff. So there’s only 2 seams to stitch together! It’s a great “stash buster” too since you can use up some lovely yarn from your yarn stash that may not be enough for a whole project but may be great for a few rows in this project! Choose as many or as little color/yarn variations as you like. It’s up to you!

FUN FACT: During the exhibition ConnieLene, who is based in New Zealand, met Nicky Epstein as well as one of the world’s fastest knitters, Miriam Tegels! Here’s her funny post all about it. Also, see video of Miriam, the 2006 Guinness World Record Holder for Fastest Knitter, knitting in action in my Need for Speed posting!

Yarn:
Worsted Weight/Medium Weight Category 4 yarn in 6 Colors.
Color 1 300gm (variegated blue/turquoise/maroon)
Color 2 50gm (grey)
Color 3 50gm (turquoise)
Color 4 50gm (variegated maroon)
Color 5 50gm (blue)
Color 6 50gm (solid maroon)
Stitch Holder

Needles/Hooks:
US Size 9 [5.50mm] Needles, 2 Pairs
US Size I [5.50mm] Crochet Hook

Measurements/Sizing:
One Size Fits All (55cm Across the Back)

Skill Level: Intermediate

Gauge:
12st x 19 rows for 10cm

Stitch Legend:
SS – Stockinette Stitch – Knit one row, Purl one row
GS – Garter Stitch – Knit 2 rows, or knit every row

Pattern:
The full pattern is available for free from Connielene Knits. It is also available in [pdf].
*Follow colour change sequence at the same time inc 1 st each side from Row 20 from cast on. (more…)

This knit hat is reversible! And both sides have a lovely texture depending on the look you want to achieve. It’s soft and cozy but is chunky and has body, so there is no drape or slouch in this hat. Knits up quick (takes about 1 evening!) and is super simple. Perfect for a quick last minute gift. Super Bulky Weight yarn FTW!

Materials:
1.25 Ball Lion Brand Yarn Hometown USA, Color #303 Cambridge Tweed, Super Bulky Weight, 94% Acrylic 6% Rayon, 64 yards, $5.29
Jumbo Stitch Markers, Crochet Hook or Darning Needle

Needles:
US 11 [8.00mm] in 16″ Circular Knitting Needles
US 11 [8.00mm] Double Pointed Knitting Needles
Crochet Hook Size N [9.00mm] (Optional)

Measurements:
12.5 inches (W) x 14 inches (H)
Circumference: 22 inches

Gauge:
12 stitches per 4″
12 rows per 4″
(in K1, P2 Rib)

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Pattern:
Body:
Cast on 42 sts
Rounds 1-20: [K1, P2] until end of round.
Or until hat measures about 6.5 inches tall.

Crown/Decrease Rows: (Do all decreases purl-wise)
Row 1: {K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, dec, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, dec}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 2: {K1, P2, K1, P2, dec, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, P2, dec}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 3: {K1, P2, K1, P1, dec, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, dec, P1}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 4: {K1, P2, K1, dec, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, dec}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 5: {K1, P2, dec, K1, P2, K1, P2, dec}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 6: {K1, P1, dec, K1, P2, K1, dec, P1}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 7: {K1, dec, K1, P2, K1, dec}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 8: {dec, K1, P2, dec}. Repeat {…} once.
Row 9: Dec 4
2.5 inches tall

Finish :
Break yarn. Thread through remaining loops. Cinch and fasten off. Weave in ends.

Optional Edging:
Crochet Hook N [9.00mm]
Turn hat inside out.
Single Crochet all the way around edge or brim of hat into the front loops of the cast on stitches. 1 round.
Bind off. Weave in ends. Voila!

Notes:
The hat shape wasn’t right. The fit/style was really pointy giving it a gnome-ish shape. Kind of like a garden gnome (Steve Zissou) style hat.

Next time I may change the decrease rows slightly. I would add a knit row between every decrease round to give it a more graceful decrease. I would also remove the last decrease row and end the hat at Decrease Row 8.

This hat can be folded up for a snugger fit. Simply fold up the brim and pull all the way down for a cat burglar hat type fit.

This hat is knitted in the round from the brim up to the crown.

Sizing: This hat was measured flat right before wearing. The hat will stretch both in the width and the height.

Some other “Boyfriend Hat” patterns I found while googling with 2 very different looks:

By Stephanie Nicole
I like the decreases in this hat as well although a very different style than the right. She gives away the pattern for free on Ravelry!

By Bleu Arts
Love this beautifully designed and knitted hat. The brim detail and simple refined decreases in the crown combined with the yarn and gauge give it an elegant yet casual style. She uses Cascade 220, one of my fave yarns! Knits up beautifully and is very affordable. She did a whole “Boyfriend Hat” series and the patterns are for sale on her Etsy! $6.95

This hat is light, easy to wear, and great for Spring! I made this hat for myself! I first made the Mens Version (for a man) of this pattern and liked the style but didn’t like the fit the first time around. So this time, I adjusted the pattern accordingly. It’s an easy knitting hat, great for a commute project on the train or on the plane, and great for practicing Circular Knitting, using Circular Needles, and even switching up your knitting styles. Try Continental instead of English. Or vice versa!

More pics coming soon! Photo Booth pic for now ==>

Materials:
1 Ball Knit Picks Stroll Multi in Vintage Multi, Fingering Weight, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 231 yards, $5.99
Stitch Markers, Darning Needle

Needles:
US 3 [3.25mm] in 16″ Circular Knitting Needles
US 5 [3.75mm] in 16″ Circular Knitting Needles
US 5 [3.75mm] Double Pointed Knitting Needles, Set of 4

Measurements:
10.25 inches (W) x 13 inches (H)
Circumference: 20.5 inches

Gauge:
26 sts and 34 rows = 4″ with larger needles in stocking st

Skill Level: Easy Intermediate

Pattern:
Free from Patons – Patons Kroy Socks Basic Beanie. The pattern below is a modified version of the Women’s Size Hat in the Slouchy Fit. I took out a few stitches and rows from the original pattern. [pdf]

Brim:
Begin with smaller circular needle. Cast on 120 sts.
Place stitch marker. Join for working in round.
[K2, P2] every round until brim measures about 4″ tall.
Total: 34 rows, 4 inches.

Body:
Change to larger circular needle.
Knit (K) every round until Body measures about 7″ tall.
Total: 45 rows, 6 inches.

Finish:
Round 1: *K2tog. K26. ssk. Rep from * around. 112 sts.
2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th Rounds: Knit.
Round 3: *K2tog. K24. ssk. Rep from * around. 104 sts.
Round 5: *K2tog. K22. ssk. Rep from * around. 96 sts.
Round 7: *K2tog. K20. ssk. Rep from * around. 88 sts.
Round 9: *K2tog. K18. ssk. Rep from * around. 80 sts.

Begin decrease in every round:
Round 11: *K2tog. K16. ssk. Rep from * around. 72 sts.
Round 12: *K2tog. K14. ssk. Rep from * around. 64 sts.
Round 13: *K2tog. K12. ssk. Rep from * around. 56 sts.
Round 14: *K2tog. K10. ssk. Rep from * around. 48 sts.
Round 15: *K2tog. K8. ssk. Rep from * around. 40 sts.
Round 16: *K2tog. K6. ssk. Rep from * around. 32 sts.
Round 17: *K2tog. K4. ssk. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Round 18: *K2tog. K2. ssk. Rep from * around. 16 sts.
Total: 18 rows, 3 inches.

Break yarn. Thread through remaining stitches. Draw up tightly and fasten securely. Weave in ends.

Notes:
This is a one skein hat! So 1 ball of Knit Picks Stroll was enough for the entire hat. With enough left over for a tiny pom-pom if desired! The yarn is also very lightweight making it perfect for spring or as a year round accessory.

For this Women’s Hat I should have kept the brim to 27 rows or 3.5 inches. But I wasn’t paying attention and flew right passed it. If I did, I would have had even more yarn left over.

I ended up not loving my choice of colorways this time. Perhaps something more feminine and monochromatic rather than contrasty. The color scheme in this one makes it way too sporty and not versatile enough.

See my Men’s Slouchy Hat Pattern for more detailed notes on Sizing, Needles, and Yarn.

Sizing and Gauge:
Width: 10.25 inches
Height: 13 inches
Brim Circumference: About 20.5 inches

PERFECT FIT!!! Exactly the right fit and drape. I originally made this hat in the Men’s Size first but found that the pattern yielded a hat that was way too loose (for a man). Plus, as the day wore on the hat got looser and looser.

So this time around when I knitted the Women’s Size, I took a few stitches off the Women’s Size Pattern as well and modified the pattern respectively and it was a perfect fit. I test wore this hat all day today and it’s still wearing great! In total it is about 1-2 inches in both width and height smaller than the Men’s Slouchy Hat I made.

This hat size and pattern is also suitable for Mens! It might be a better fit than the Men’s Size Hat for Men even!

Version 1: Regular Fit Hat ~ Version 2: Slouchy Fit Hat