Earflap Hat

EARFLAP HAT
(with or without tassel)

SKILL LEVEL: Easy – Intermediate

Hat is knitted from the ties up to the top of the hat using DOUBLED (2 strands) yarn. You begin with double pointed needles (dpns) and switch to circulars after earflaps. When there are no longer enough stitches on circulars to knit comfortably. Divide evenly.

SIZES – Small = 19”; (Large = 22”) circumference

MATERIALS:
1 Skein (sk) Schaefer Esperanza (280 yds) 70% Lambswool - 30% Alpaca Blend – Color shown Clara Barton
1 size 15 (10mm) circular needle, 24” (60cm) length – OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE.
1 set size 15 double pointed needles (dpns)
Size K crochet hook
One tapestry needle
7” piece of cardboard for tassel

GAUGE: 9 sts and 12 rnds to 4”/10cm using St st using size 15 (10mm) needles.

EARFLAP ONE
Begin with the tassel making i-cord.
With 2 dpns, cast on 3 sts using DOUBLED yarn pulling one strand from the middle of the sk and the other from the outside of the sk. DO NOT TURN. Slide 5 sts to the other end of the needle. Your working yarn will be at the "wrong" end of your work. Pull the working yarn tightly along the back of your work and knit the next row. Continue until i-cord has reached 8” (9”).

Row 1 & 2: Now begin making the earflap by working in St st for 2 rows.
Row 3 right side (RS): K1, M1, K1, M1, K1 – 5 sts.
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1 – 7 sts.
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: K1, M1, K5, M1, K1 – 9 sts.
Row 8: Purl.
Row 9: Knit.
Row 10: Purl. Cut yarn, leaving 5” tail. Set aside leaving on needle.

EARFLAP TWO
Work as for Earflap One. Do not cut yarn at end of Row 10. Instead, cast on 5 (6) sts at end of earflap. Slide all onto circular needle.

HAT BODY
Rnd 1: Knitting in the round working now only on RS (knit side), you will be joining hat & earflaps. Knit across 5 (6) cast on sts, 9 sts of Earflap Two, cast on 13 sts (17) sts (front of hat), knit across 9 sts of Earflap One, cast on 5 (6) sts – 41 (47) sts. Place marker for end of rnd, taking care not to twist stitches.
Rnds 2 – 11: Knit.
Rnd 12: (dec) K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 – 39 (45) sts.
Rnds 13 – 14: Knit.
Rnd 15: *K5 (6), k2tog; rep from * around – 35 (41) sts.
Rnds 16 – 17: Knit.
Rnd 18: *K4 (5), k2tog; rep from * around.
Rnds 19 – 20: Knit.
Rnd 21: *K3 (4), k2tog; rep from * around.
Rnd 22 – 23: Knit.
Rnd 24: *K2 (3), k2tog; rep from * around.
Rnd 25: Knit.
Rnd 26: *K1 (2), k2tog; rep from * around.
Rnd 27: Knit. (if you don’t have 6 (12) sts, do another Rnd of dec to equal 6 (12) sts.

For large size only
Rnd 28: *K2tog; rep from * to marker – 6 sts.
Rnd 29: Knit.

For all sizes
Cut yarn, leaving 8” tail, thread through rem 6 sts and cinch tightly to close.

FINISHING
Edging: With crochet hook and RS facing, attach to center back; single crochet around hat loosely enough to account for hat stretch. When reaching I-cord, slip st behind earflap, continue to center back. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in ends; except tail at top of hat if you are making tassel.

Tassel (optional)
Wrap yarn around 7” piece of cardboard 8 – 10 times. With separate piece of yarn, tie one end of wrap. Cut strands at opposite end. At 1” below tied end, wrap yarn around strands a few times, then tie off, burying ends in center of tassel. Use long tail at top of hat to attach tassel using tapestry needle. Tie off inside hat. Weave in ends.

Noro World of Nature Volume 20

Sadly, I just found out that Noro World of Nature Volume 20 has been discontinued. There are so many excellent patterns in that book, I'm upset that it'll be gone soon. I'm holding onto one and I have one more available. After that, woosh - gone.

It's got the entrelac vest and basketweave jacket that have been so popular. I've made the vest, which is awesome, and want to make the basketweave jacket too.

Finished - Misti Shoftest Chunky Throw

I finished this throw for my daughter's friend, Karn. It's absolutely beautiful and soft, but it sheds like crazy. I tried fluffing it w/cool air in the dryer. That didn't work. So, I finally called the manufacturer, Misti International. They suggest that you hand wash and lay flat to dry. Well, I guess we'd better do that out on the lawn....otherwise, who has a spot that large to lay it out????

Karn loves it and says she doesn't mind the shedding, but I feel bad that it's so beautiful, but sheds. blah, blah, blah, enough.

Soak Wash Ad Dress

I, like many others, saw the Clara Dress in the Soakwash ad and just HAD to have the pattern. Well, it only comes as a kit, so you have to buy the Tutto Opal-Isager Alpaca 2 along with it. Unfortunately, the yellow as shown in the ad is discontinued, so I bought the purple - #013. I've seen other sites where people were already working on the dress and love the yarn, so - what the heck.

I CAN'T WAIT TO GET IT!!!

If you'd like to purchase the kit here is the info: (why make you all go out there looking for it yourself.) The Tutto people were super nice and said that there was a lot of interest and they thank the SoakWash people for their help.

TUTTO Opal-Isager, 137 W. Water Street, Suite 220, Santa Fe, New Mexico, (877) 603-6725

I Finished My Entrelac Sleeveless Jacket!!

I'm so happy that I actually took the time to finish a project!!! I, like most knitters, love the knitting, but HATE the assembly. Fortunately, this assembly was pretty painless as it was knit on circulars, leaving just the shoulder seams and tiny piece of the neck band to sew. Then it was a matter of sewing on the buttons.

Of course, I managed to have to do the buttons twice, because they weren't spaced properly the first time! But, I did it and I'm happy to say I LOVE it!

I course I got the yarn in my shop http://www.yarnbarrel.com/. It's Noro silk garden lite. The pattern is from Noro Volume 20 - Y779. http://www.yarnbarrel.com/product_info.php?cPath=57&products_id=203&osCsid=94e3e8159a9041d240e5e22442b39a68

Afghan - Misti Chunky Alpaca

This throw is being done in Misti International - Chunky Alpaca. The yarn is soooo soft!! It's just the type of throw you just want to snuggle in on those cold winter nights!

The pattern is called "Softest Chunky Throw" by Misti International. We have both the pattern and yarn available on our website.

Yarn: http://www.yarnbarrel.com/product_info.php?cPath=50&products_id=127
Pattern: http://www.yarnbarrel.com/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=187.

www.yarnbarrel.com

I Climbed Bald Mountain!

The week prior to Labor Day, I was lucky enough to have time away from work to hang out, hike and, of course, do some knitting. I climbed Bald Mountain which is in Old Forge, NY. The climb was a little hairy in a few spots, because you need to walk along the spine of huge boulders - AND - I had two dogs with me. It was beautiful up there. The view was so worth the climb. I was surprised, because I saw people of all ages climbing up those rocks. I'm definately NOT an experienced hiker, but it seemed that some of the people I saw should have not been there - old folks, little kids. I would have been afraid they'd roll right off the side of the rocks! I guess I'm just a woos and should stick to knitting! Ha! Ha!

Debbie Bliss Magazine

I finally found the new Debbie Bliss magazine in Barnes and Noble! I told my husband via email that it was the only thing I wanted for my birthday, and he didn't see the email!!! Men! Harumph!

To my chagrin, there is no subscription card included in the magazine. I was so hoping that they would be offering up subscriptions.

I really like most garments, but the tea cozy and placemats in non-washable cashmere seemed to be a bit over the top!

I do have the DB Cashmerino Aran in Grey in stock. If you're interested, check it out at http://www.yarnbarrel.com/.

Cascade 220

I just received a shipment of Cascade 220 yarns to put up on the website. We've got 220 wool in beautiful heathers and solids and Superwash in a few select colors. It feels wonderfully soft and it's a whopping 220 yards to beat.

The 220 Wool is great for everyday knitting and felting too! We're selling it for a nice price too . . . $5.99 per skein. Visit http://www.yarnbarrel.com/ for the selection of colors. If there is something you'd like, that I don't carry, I'd be happy to order by the bag for you. Just send me an email - barbara@yarnbarrel.com.

I'm working on an afghan made out of Misti Chunky Alpaca http://www.yarnbarrel.com/product_info.php?cPath=50&products_id=127. It's a nice green melange and soooooo cuddly soft. I'm sure that Karn is going to love to cuddle up in it when I give it to her! I'm using a Misti International pattern called "Softest Chunky Throw" - see it at http://www.yarnbarrel.com/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=187. It's really coming out nice. I'll take a pix when I can get outside during the day to do a photo op.

Hope you enjoy! Happy knitting!

Noro Vest

I've become hooked on the entrelac method! It's so much fun. This is # Y779 Noro Silk Garden Lite Ladies Sleeveless Jacket from the Noro Volume 19 book. It's done it in Noro Silk Garden Lite in color 2039.

I'm determined to finish this this week and move onto starting Karn's afghan.

Kristina and Owens's Wedding Gift

This afghan was just finished as a wedding gift for Kristina and Owen. They requested a machine wash and dry chocolate yarn. I've done this in Red Heart washable. I adapted a pattern that I found in a booklet. I'll post the pattern when I have a chance to type it out.

Flirtation Cable Directions

I found this cable pattern on the Vogue website and thought it would be nice to share.

Flirtation

5-st RPC Sl 2 sts to cn and hold to back, k3, p2 from cn.5-st LPC Sl 3 sts to cn and hold to front, p2, k3 from cn.6-st RC Sl 3 sts to cn and hold to back, k3, k3 from cn.6-st LC Sl 3 sts to cn and hold to front, k3, k3 from cn.(worked over 15 sts)

Row 1 (RS) K3, p4, 6-st RC, p2.Row 2 K2, p6, k4, p3.

Row 3 5-st LPC, 5-st RPC, 5-st LPC.

Rows 4 and 6 P3, k4, p6, k2.

Row 5 P2, 6-st LC, p4, k3.

Row 7 5-st RPC, 5-st LPC, 5-st RPC.

Row 8 K2, p6, k4, p3.

Rep rows 1–8.

Here is a link to the original directions.
http://www.vogueknitting.com/?q=node/259

Knitting & Taxes

*As income tax time was just here, did you ever notice: When you put the two words 'The' and 'IRS' together, it spells 'THEIRS'?

I vote that instead of giving money to pay taxes that we pay for yarn!

Yay! I vote YES!

Woo Hoo Knitting!

I spent 4 glorious days in Florida with my sister-in-law from New Mexico and my mother sitting by the poolside catching a tan and knitting! We had so much fun! It was a riot to see us relaxing on beach chairs in swim suits knitting away.

My sister-in-law hadn't knitted in a long time, but she picked it back up in no time. Of course, she keeps making little mistakes, so she says she's editing the pattern! She is so funny! She is knitting a sweater with the self striping Noro Silk Garden in beautiful blues and greens. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!

My mom is working on a lace wrap in a soft cotton yarn by Misti International. She's almost done so we've selected a nice cotton blend (Touche I think it's called) from Berroco that she will make a sweater out of.

For my project, I have several going, but the most interesting is the Lizard Ridge Afghan. You make 24 squares of self striping yarn and put them together in the color fashion you desire. I'm using 24 different colors of Noro Kureyon. It's going to be a loooooong project!

Talk to you soon!
Keep knittin!

Another Snow Day Spent Knitting

On Friday here in New Jersey, we had about six inches of snow dumped on us. I spent half the day doing work (yuck!) right from my home and the other half knitting away safe and warm inside watching the flakes come down.

I've been working on knitting the Entrelac Shawl shown below. I've got it to about 60 inches with another 10" or so to go! Whew! So far I've used 10 skeins of Noro Silk Garden. And, yeah, I need to pick the pieces of grass out of it now and then, but it's the only yarn out there that stripes so beautifully. I've learned that if you soak Noro in Yucalin wash, it will soften up and the colors actually become more beautiful. I can't wait to try it!

I also purchased some Noro Kureyon to begin to make this Lizard Ridge afghan - click here for pattern. I can't wait to finish the shawl so that I can get started. Oh, but I forgot! I have two projects in front of this one - gifts! Yikes! I NEED MORE KNITTING TIME!

Ladder of Life Socks - Free Pattern from Interweave Knits

Ladder of Life Socks
Pattern Courtesy of Interweave Knits Magazine
(www.interweave.com)

Knits managing editor Ann Budd designed the Ladder of Life Socks to honor the men and women who work to save lives in our communities during times of need, not only during national crises like the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but every day. We hope that you will join us in a rally of appreciation by knitting them for your local firefighters and/or other rescue workers.

Finished Size 8 (9 1?2)" (20.5 [24] cm) around foot and 9 (10 3?4)" (23 [27.5] cm) long from back of heel to toe. To fit a woman's (man's) foot.

Materials:
Yarn Worsted-weight yarn: About 350 (400) yd (325 [365] m).
Needles Upper leg-Size 9 (5.5 mm): Set of 4 double-pointed (dpn). Lower leg and foot-Size 8 (5 mm): Set of 4 dpn. Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Marker (m); stitch holder; tapestry needle.

Gauge: 10 sts and 13 rnds = 2" (5 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round.

Leg
With larger needles, CO 40 (48) sts. Place marker and join, being careful not to twist sts. Work k1, p1 rib until piece measures 1" (2.5 cm). Work Ladder of Life patt as foll: Rnds 1-5: *K5, p1, k1, p1; rep from *. Rnd 6: *P6, k1, p1; rep from *. Rep Rnds 1-6 until piece measures 31?2 (41?4)" (9 [11] cm) from beg. Change to smaller needles and cont in patt until piece measures 7 (81?2)" (18 [21.5] cm) from beg.
Heel: K10 (12), turn, p20 (24). Place rem 20 (24) sts on spare needle or holder to work later for instep.
Heel flap: Work back and forth on 20 (24) heel sts as foll: Row 1: (RS) *Sl 1 pwise with yarn in back (wyb), k1; rep from *. Row 2: *Sl 1 pwise with yarn in front (wyf), purl to end. Rep Rows 1 and 2 until a total of 20 (24) rows have been worked-10 (12) chain edge sts.
Turn heel: Work short rows as foll: Row 1: (RS) K12 (14), ssk, k1, turn. Row 2: Sl 1 pwise wyf, p5, p2tog, p1, turn. Row 3: Sl 1 pwise wyb, knit to 1 st before gap, ssk (1 st from each side of gap), k1, turn. Row 4: Sl 1 pwise wyf, purl to 1 st before gap, p2tog (1 st from each side of gap), p1, turn. Rep Rows 3 and 4 until all heel sts have been worked, ending with a WS row-12 (14) sts rem.
Gusset: K12 (14) heel sts and with same dpn (needle 1), pick up and knit 1 st in each of the 10 (12) chain edge sts along the heel flap; with another dpn (needle 2), pick up and knit 1 st at base of heel flap, k20 (24) instep sts from holder, pick up and knit 1 st at base of heel flap; with another dpn (needle 3), pick up and knit 1 st in each of the 10 (12) chain edge sts along the other edge of heel flap, k6 (7) heel sts-54 (64) sts total; 16 (19) sts each on needles 1 and 3, 22 (26) sts on needle 2. Rnd begins at center back heel. Rnd 1: On needle 1, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; on needle 2, ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on needle 3, k1, ssk, knit to end-50 (60) sts rem. Rnds 2 and 4: Knit. Rnd 3: On needle 1, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; on needle 2, knit all sts; on needle 3, k1, ssk, knit to end-2 sts dec'd. Rep Rnds 3 and 4 until 40 (48) sts rem.
Foot: Cont even until foot measures 7 (81?2)" (18 [21.5] cm) from back of heel, or 2 (21?4)" (5 [5.5] cm) less than desired total length.
Toe: Rnd 1: On needle 1, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; on needle 2, k1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; on needle 3, k1, ssk, work to end-4 sts dec'd. Rnd 2: Knit. Rep Rnds 1 and 2 until 20 (24) sts rem. Rep Rnd 1 only until 10 (12) sts rem. At end of last rnd, knit sts from needle 1 onto needle 3-5 (6) sts on each of 2 needles.
Finishing: Using the Kitchener st, graft rem sts tog. Weave in loose ends. Block

Photo of Entrelac Stole

As promised, here is the photo of my current project - the Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole made of Noro Silk Garden #251. I'm into this yarn and the entrelac design. The pattern and long stripe of the yarn keep the knitting experience interesting.

I would LOVE to keep this for myself, but I'm going to give a shot at selling a hand knitted item for the first time. I guess I'll find out how the process works!

It's SB 42 night! GO GIANTS!

Talk to you soon!

Noro Knitting - Entrelac

With all this cold weather, I have been wishing that my current project would grow longer faster so that it could sit on my lap and warm me up! Whew! It sure is cold here in the northeast!

I started working with Noro Silk Garden #251 on an entrelac shawl (similar to the scarf shown on November 26) but much wider and longer.

I know there is a faction of Noro haters out there as I read the "what's the Noro hype?" on Ravelry. But, I gotta say, I LOVE it. It's so much fun to watch all the awesome colors evolve into a beautiful piece of artwork! Most people who have made something with Noro say that it gets much softer as you wear and/or launder the item. They also say that the colors become more beautiful over time too. Well, I guess I can't comment on that until I've completed the shawl and have used it over time.

Here is a link to the yarn: Noro Silk Garden

Happy knitting!

I'm sorry I haven't been discussing knitting much lately. Believe me - I knit every night after work and whenever else I can fit it in. I can't LIVE without knitting! I think we could alter the cartoon here to have to do with knitting. DON'T TAKE AWAY MY KNITTING!!! (and my computer! How else would I find out all the hot knitting news!)

MAXINE'S LIVING WILL

Last night my sister and I were sitting in the den and I said to her, 'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle to keep me alive. That would be no quality of life at all, If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'

So she got up, unplugged the computer, and threw out my wine.

She's such a bitch.


OH - HOW ABOUT THAT RAVELRY WEBSITE? What do ya'll think? I wish I had more time to hang out there. It's tons of fun!

Sandcastles

These things just amaze me. I don't know where the contest was held, but apparently, there is a yearly competition on building sandcastles! Aren't they awesome! (Wish I could knit like they can sandcastle!)

Crochet Hat

I found this great hat on the Lion Brand site. I'm dying to try it. If you do, let me know how it goes!

CROCHET HAT:

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
SIZE: One Size
Finished Circumference 19 in. (48.5 cm). Hat will stretch to fit a wide range of sizes.

GAUGE:
6 stitches = 4 in. (10 cm) in pattern. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook.

HAT
Ch 29.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, double crochet in next chain, *single crochet in next chain, double crochet in next chain; repeat from * across, end with a double crochet in last chain - 28 stitches.
Row 2: Chain 1, turn, *single crochet in next double crochet, double crochet in next single crochet; repeat from * across.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 9 in. (23 cm) from beginning. Fasten off.
FINISHING
Seam ends together. Thread yarn through each stitch of last row and pull to gather. Knot securely. Weave in ends. Make a pompom and tie to top of Hat.