Beanie Hats!

I've been whipping up some chunky beanies for my shop and also as gifts for the Holidays. This one is an alternate version of my Basic Ribbed Hat pattern. Instead of doing the 2x2 ribbing, I changed it to 1x1 ribbing. 

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Basic Ribbed Hat

Today, I'm knitting a basic ribbed hat. This will fit teens to adults and it has incredible stretch for warmth and comfort. Scroll down for the link to the PDF file.

US13 DPNs
Wool-Ease Thick & Quick from Lion Brand Yarn

Cast on 48 stitches and K2, P2 around until the piece is 8-10 inches deep - this will allow you to choose the amount of 'slouch' you'd like.

For the decrease rounds:

K2tog, P2tog around (you will have 24 stitches at the end of this round)

K1, P1 around

K2tog around (you will have 12 stitches at the end of this round)

Pull yarn through to close.

Click here for the Ravelry link and PDF file. If you make one, email me a photo to be featured here...I'd love to see it!

Tiny Chickens Tail Add-On

I recently found Anna Hrachovec's pattern for Tiny Chickens and they've been so fast and fun to knit up. Some of you who recently received orders may have found one. 

In making these little cuties, I've come up with a quick add-on tail for them. You can easily use different colors and skip the comb at the top of their head to have the look of many other birds. Below is my version of a pigeon, made using this very pattern. 

The add-on tail is very simple: 

Flip the chicken upside-down and with color 1, pick up and knit 3 stitches on the bottom center of the body, just where a tail would be. 

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: KFB, K1, KFB

Row 3: Bind off

Break yarn and weave in ends.

When you're finished, it should look something like this. Happy knitting!

Vintage Marguerite

So, my lovely mother showed me the most beautiful hand crocheted bedspread made by my great grandmother who passed when I was a young girl. It is so detailed and weighs a ton. To imagine the time this piece took is simply daunting to me.

I looked for it on ravelry and learned the vintage pattern's name is Marguerite and although there are some people charging on other sites, I was able to find a pdf link to the entire Priscilla Crochet Book Bedspreads free (page 33). I believe the original book was 25 cents and published in 1914, though my grandmother would have created her's a bit later. The techniques shown in this book are brilliant and invaluable.

I'm happy my mother shared this piece with me as it has allowed me to know more about a women I barely remember and imagine the time and love she put into this wonderful piece. The bobbles and perfect stitching is most amazing.


What stories from long ago have been shared with you?