FO: The Adventurer Hat

Happy Saturday, friends.

Here's the first version of my "Adventurer Hat," which will be KUAS Design's newest pattern release this fall.

 

What makes this an Adventurer hat, you ask? Well, it was designed with a super thick folded brim that is secured to the main body of the hat. I'm certain this will keep your ears snug and warm during the coldest of winters

 

Was your first thought that you dislike sewing? (I do.) Well, there's no sewing involved! The cast-on edge is knit together with the body of the hat. I have a special hack that makes this process easy. You can find this on my "Knitting Up A Storm, the blog" Facebook group. (If you haven't already joined, I welcome you to. Straightaway after releasing a pattern, I choose a person at random to win the newly published pattern for free. I also run exclusive promos and giveaways too.)

 

To give the brim a bit of a twist on the traditional 1x1 ribbing, I literally have the pattern work up a twisted rib. It's takes a few moments longer, but it looks so clean and tidy.

 

The hat will come in about three sizes, and will give you some choices: slouchy, fitted, traditional ribbing, no purled line at the edge of the brim, pom-pom, etc. 

Project Info

Pattern from KUAS Designs---COMING THIS FALL!

Size: M

Needles:

US 6 - 4.0 mm

US 7 - 4.5 mm

 

Yarn: Patons North America Classic Wool Worsted

198 yds/93 grams

Colorway natural Mix

 

Hobby Lobby Pom-Pom 

I am always one for simple textures.

Now on to knit another version in Madelinetosh's Daffodil colorway for fall!

NEW Pattern Release: the Super Bulky Hat

CLOVER POM-POM MAKER TUTORIAL INCLUDED!

Here’s a wonderfully speedy bulky hat pattern for all sizes, with handy sizing chart columns that you read vertically and a pom-pom tutorial on page 6 for your convenience. This pattern is wonderful for those last-minute gifts that need to be knit up, whether it’s for a baby shower, a Christmas present, or just needing a quick knit when the weather gets chilly!

I spent a long time test knitting my own pattern to have numerous sizes! It all started with my son Sam requesting a Christmas hat (which I accidentally knitted the adult version first).

HAT MEASUREMENTS:

0-6 months: 5.5’’/14 cm long; 6.5’’/16.5cm wide

6-12 months: 6.25’’/15cm long; 7’’/18cm wide

12-24 months: 6.75’’/17cm long; 7.75’’/20cm wide

2-5 years: 7.25’’/18cm long; 8.5’’/21.5cm wide

6-12 years: 8.25’’/21 cm long; 9.25’’/23.5cm wide

Teen/Adult XS: 9’’/23cm long; 9.75’’/25cm wide

Adult S/M: 9.25’’/23.5cm long; 10.25’’/26cm wide

Adult L/XL: 9.5’’/24cm long; 10.75’’/27cm wide

From left to right: size 0-6 mos, size 6-12 mos, 12-24 mos

From left to right: size 6-12 yrs, 6-12 yrs, Adult S/M

MATERIALS:

YARN: Super Bulky (6WPI) yarn

0-6 months: 38yds/67g (plus 10-12g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom)

6-12 months: 45yds/75g (plus 10-12g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom)

12-24 months 50yds/80g (plus 10-12g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom)

2-5 years: 52yds/85g (plus 10-12g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom)

6-12 years: 68yds/110g (plus 15g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom)

Teen/Adult XS: 85yds/140g (plus 15g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom)

Adult S/M: 90yds/145 (plus 15g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom

Adult L/XL: 100yds/165g, plus 15g of worsted weight yarn for pom-pom)

NEEDLES: Set of 5 dpns, or 1 long circular needles in sizes US 10 (6mm) and US 11 (8mm) needles

NOTIONS: Beginning of rd st marker, darning needle, sharp scissors, and (optional) Clover Pom-Pom maker (Size 46mm /Yellow=medium; Size 65mm/green=large)

I hope you have a wonderful start to the week! I will be announcing the Black Friday week deal very shortly!

KUAS Podcasts: Episode 11- For the Love of Fall

Episode 11- For the Love of Fall 
Copyright 2017 by Anna Maliszewski
Please Like/Share/Subscribe! 

SHOW NOTES:  
FO’s:
"Roundabout Shawlette" #3 by KUAS Designs (pattern on Ravelry)
US 6 - 4.0 mm
Knit Picks Hawthorne Sport Multi "Arbor Lodge"

"Sabi Hat" by OlgaJazzy
1 skein Zealana Performa Rimu DK yarn
US 5 needles only, no switch-over to 6 Worked 3 pattern repeats, plus 3 more rds before decreasing

"English Oak Leaves" by NaturalSuburbia.com
US 5 needles
KnitPick’s wool, TreeFrog sport and WoolEase

"Veined Leaves" by Cyntergomes.livejournal.com

"Sven Scandinavian" by Carol A. Anderson
Mods: Needles US 3 and yarn weight Paton’s Classic Merino Wool, Willow Rustic for yellow & baby alpaca and Lopi yarn for beard, Regia yarn “Summer Nights” for the Hat

WIPS: 
"Strange Brew" by Tin Can Knits
US 3 and US 6 needles
Berroco Vintage DK , 4 skeins white and 2 skeins red

Wish Knits list:
"Holly Jolly Steps" by Drops Designs

"Wolfpup" by Tiny Owl Knits

Aquisitions:
Fiddlehead Yarn Store (Kenosha, WI): Berroco Vinatage DK - 6 skeins
Heart Stitch Markers
No-Rinse Wool wash with jasmine
Encore Yarn- Red and white yarn for mittens/slippers

Announcements: 2 new Book give-aways in next podcast
Dyeing self-striping Xmas colorway by KUAS Yarns

MISC: "Nature's Shield" (similar to Thieves Oil)in diffuser

FO: Sabi Hat

 Sabi Hat by OlgaJazzy

Yarn: 1 skein of Zealana Rimu Yarn (Performa Series); DK

Needles: US 5 only

 

I ran out of yarn early, so I could only knit 3 zigzag repeats, plus 3 more rds before working the crown decreases. It fits fine, but I would have loved a more slouchy hat. 

The yarn for this hat is 60% merino and 40% Bushtail Possum. What?!

Apparently, bushtail possums are so invasive to New Zealand because of the lack of natural predators that working their fiber into this yarn is a service to the environment and the animals the Bushtail Possums invade. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. Do they kill the possums? They say they are taking part in the "responsible management" of these animals. 21,000 metric tons of flora and fauna are consumed each day by bushtail possums, and the ecosystem is taking a toll. You can read more about the Zealana yarn story here.

Nevertheless, the yarn is soft and has a mohair-like halo effect. Plus, the yarn is machine washable. This Sabi Hat project is easy, and I recommend this pattern if you are looking for something fresh and exciting.

FO: Quickie Ombre Hat

Good morning, readers.
This was one of those weekends where staying home and resting up was essential.

I started a hat KAL this March for the Quick Ombre Hat pattern as part of my Noro Knit Accessories Book 2 giveaway, and felt it was the perfect time to start that project. I ended up knitting all afternoon (and evening) on it and actually completed the hat in a day. Boy did that feel great!

 Pattern: Quickie Ombre Hat by Emily Dormier (free pattern)

Yarn: Paton's Classic Worsted Weight Wool in white and teal, about 1/3 of skein each 

(pattern calls for 100 yds each)

Needles: US 7 (16'' circular), US 8 (16'' circular) and size US 8 dpns

Started: 3/11/17    Completed: 3/11/17

Mods: see the end of this post

I knit this hat while catching up on some podcasts (and while discovering new ones). It was the perfect distraction from life.

I knit using the stranded method of holding the main color in my right hand (thrower's style), and holding the contrasting color in my left (continental style). When my hand cramped, I then separated the strands so that my contrasting color was always at my right, and I would switch off "throwing" the yarn, which is a little less efficient (but not too much slower since I don't don't really knit continental style anyways).

I'd say it was a success. The middle section was a little tighter than I'd like, but no harm to foul.

I did have a "whoopsie" moment with the color-work on the whiter half of the hat. Can you see it? I accidentally knit two blue stitches in a row, thus throwing off the pattern and lining up the blue stitches in the form of a column instead of staggered. Once I realized it, I cursed a bit, then moved on (having the "screw it" mentality). No one will notice.

I used my extra large Clover pom pom maker (which is always a treat). I wrapped 75 times per side, which made it full (but not overly dense). I think next time, I will go to 85 wraps.

This is a very easy and fun pattern, which I highly recommend to beginners and even well seasoned knitters. The pattern does run "small" on adults, so I casted on more stitches and lengthened it quite a bit. I also changed the ribbing pattern.

Here's my mods:
1.) CO 98sts using size US 7 circular needles (16'', or a long magic loop). Knit a 1x1 twisted rib for 2'' (*k1tbl,p1*). Change to size US 8 needles (16'' or a long magic loop needle).
2.) k2tog, k48, k2tog, knit to end. Knit the next rd straight.
3.) Work entire charted pattern as written.
4.) Knit 2 rds straight before decrease instructions. 
5.) Mod to the 1st decrease rd: *k5, k3tog, k5, k2tog* across the rd. Continue the pattern with NO more decrease mods. Use size US 8 DPNs when the stitches get too tight for 16'' needle.
6.) Make a multi-colored pom-pom.

FO: Zoe Hat

It's been a cold and mostly blistery winter (again) in the northern Chicagoland area. Today is the first mild day in a while (40 degrees F), and we are enjoy it every bit!

It's been dark and gloomy the past couple of days, so I've been waiting to photograph this FO in some natural light, but had to compromise with what little daylight is coming through this overcast day.

I just feels like a pour-yourself-a-steamy-cup-of-tea-and-finish-the-ending-of-your-book (which I did) kind of day.

This hat is one that I picked out for our 1/1-2/1 2017 KAL on my "Knitting up a storm, the blog" facebook page group. I have posted a video on how to work these 2-st cables without the use of a cable needle. If you attempt this pattern, or any with tons of 2-st cables, be sure to check out that video. You'll have to be part of the group first to see the video.

I enjoyed this knit. The cables were not hard, the texture is interesting. However, the hat itself is not long or slouchy. It almost needs a little bit of blocking to get more ease. At least using the yarn I did, it's almost suited more for the head size of a pre-teen.

If you're looking for a more slouchy hat, you'll want to throw in several more rounds before decreasing and/or use thicker worsted weight yarn than suggested (like an aran weight). The brim of the hat just reaches my ears.

Pattern: Zoe Hat by Alexandra Davidoff

Yarn: about 1/2 skein of Malibrigo Yarn Merino Worsted in "Mint" (approx. 100 yds used)

Needles: US size 5 & 7 (9'' circular needles), and US 7 dpns

Modifications: the ribbing-- I made a 1x1 twisted rib instead of 2x2 standard ribbing

Casted on: 1/1/17      Completed: 1/15/17

I used a fur pompom. It seems to be the all rage now for knitted hats. Ironically enough, it's hard to find at a franchized craft store. I ended up finding this pompom from HobbyLobby on a keychain, since they did not sell fur pompoms in the knitting or sewing section (No luck also at JoAnn's). 

I removed the keychain part of the pompom and no one will be none the wiser. I just wished that I could have found a natural light brown pompom that would have matched this hat a little more. I think the contrast is a little too stark for me.

FO: Antler Hat (Toque) #2

Last Thursday, I gifted my husband his very own Antler Hat (also refered as Anter Toque). I made his brother a silver one for Christmas, and he seemed to be eyeing it, so I decided to make the same pattern for him as well. I chose this color because he owns a pair of gloves that match pretty closely. This color really goes with everything.

Pattern: Antler Hat/Toque by Tincanknits

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Charcoal Grey

Needles: Size US 6 and US 8 circular needles

Method: magic loop

Cast-on date: 1/1/17         Completed: 1/5/17

Modifications: 2.25'' ribbing and only 6 antlers before doing the decreases

While at the craft store, I decided to pick up a new set of cable needles. I own metal ones in various shapes, but I find that they are too slippery and long. Clover makes a set of plastic cable needles that are a bit shorter and with a square nook to hold the stitches. I found that they were a bit easier to work cables with, even though they were flimsier.

I tried all four needles, and found with this project, the medium white cable needle was the easiest to work with, and stitches didn't slip off. I just wish that the ends were a bit sharper.

My husband is very pleased with his gift. Now that it's done, I'm off knitting something from my pattern queue: the Zoe Hat. We are doing a KAL in my facebook group during this month. Join us!

FO: Antler Hat

Are you looking for a free hat pattern with simple cables that works up quickly? Look no further. I whipped up this bad boy in a few days, and it looks more complicated than what it is.

Pattern: Antler Hat (free pattern) by Tincanknits

Yarn: 1 skein Paton's Classic Worsted Weight Wool

Needles: US 6 and US 8 circular needles (magic loop method)

Modifications: 2.25 inch brim and only 6 antler cables before decreasing

Started: 12/18/16

Completed: 12/21/16

I made a cardboard cutout to open up the hat for presentation purposes as a gift. The cutout seemed to be the perfect size/shape, so I made an extra one for future photo sessions.

The cable pattern is pretty easy to memorize. The cables move further and further away from each other each time you have a cabled round. If my memory serves me correct, there's only 6 total rounds per rep.

Fo: Fisherman's Rib Hat

This is a simple hat pattern that is easily memorized, but can get you in the end if you don't mark down which round you have last completed, since the ribbing doesn't show you which round you just end with.

Pattern: Fisherman's Rib Hat (free pattern) by Christina Coutts

Yarn: 1 skein Lion Brand's Wool-Ease Chunky

Needles: US 6 and US 8
Started: 12/21/16
Completed: 1/24/16

A fisherman's rib is simply (in a multiple of 2 sts):
Rd 1: *k1below, p1* across the rd.
Rd 2: *k1, p1below* across the rd.

My modifications:
I started the brim of the hat on size US 6 needles and did regular 1x1 ribbing for 5 rds. Then I switched to the larger needles. I knit the fisherman's rib until the hat measured 7 inches, and then I did the hat decreases.

Here's a quick photo of the project. It's not my finest work, but it was completed in time for Christmas. It could have used a good blocking if I had the time.

FO: Your Basic Hat (and FREE pattern)

Hey there
I'm making a point to "whip up knits" (well, not exactly, but doing the best that I can) and publish more knits. I'm sure you've already noticed that though...considering most posts these days are FO's with a pattern. Here's another one, but this time it's FREE. Yup, that's right.

 
  download now

It's the perfect unisex hat. It can be slouchy for a woman, and also folded to be more masculine. This pattern is also the perfect blank canvas for textured stitch patterns or colorwork, so may find yourself using this pattern time after time.

Click here for more pattern details. 

I'm curious, who wore it better? I've already hinted to my huband that it looks great as a slouch on me, and maybe I should keep it?  ;) 

Two New Releases!

Hello Everyone. Happy Saturday! I have released two more patterns into my Ravelry Pattern Store:

         

                                

As tradition, I always give away a FREE copy to the first group member who comments on the Knitting Up A Storm, the blog Facebook group page. Wanna get in on future give-away action?

Click to join

So, let's take a peak at these knits.
First off, here's my bulky Seed Stitch Slouch.

This simple slouch is quick to knit up with bulky yarn, and is satisfying to wear. You can easily modify the length to make it less/more slouchy to fit your taste.

Included last in the instructions is a tutorial on how to make pom-poms for this hat. Feel free to only print out the instructions to the hat, and just read the pom-pom instructions on the computer to save on ink.

Skill Level: Late-beginner          Difficulty: Easy

Method: worked seamlessly in the round with dpns, or by using the “Magic Loop” method with 1 circular needle.

Yarn: 110 yds of a bulky/12 ply yarn 

Materials:

·        Set of 5 size US 9 (5.5 mm) and US 10 (6 mm) dpns; 40” or longer size US 9 and US 10 circular needles if using the “Magic Loop” Method

·      1 Darning needle

·        1 Stitch marker, or safety pin

·        Large (3 3/8 inch diameter) Pom-Pom Maker (there’s a tutorial on last page using Clover’s Large Pom-Pom maker)

·        A pair of scissors and some scrap yarn or thick sewing thread in a complimentary color

I tried out two versions: looser ribbing and longer (silvery blue) and tighter ribbing and a little less slouchy (brown).

Included in this pattern is a picture tutorial on how to make pom-poms.


Next, I have resurrected the "All Twisted Up!" knit designer bag...giving it a face-life and tweaked some information to be more detailed.

 

Here's a view of the bottom of the bag:

Here's a wonderful knit designer bag with plenty of room to spare. The cable pattern gives the bag an interesting appeal, and you may find people asking you where you bought your bag from!

Lever: Late Beginner         Method: worked in the round

Materials:
Yarn: approx. 430 yds of a bulky/12 ply yarn
Needles: size US 11 (8 mm) circular needles (16''-24''); 1 cable needle; US 11 double-pointed needles for I-cord
2 small leather handles
Fabric: under 1/2 yard in complimentary color
hread: matching the fabric color
Sewing machine
Optional tassel piece