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!

Pattern Release: Vamp City Socks!

Vamp-up your style with some sexy lace socks that would kill to be in some black boots. They’re dying to be worn, so why don’t you get out your stakes-er-needles and knit them up!

Valentine’s Day Sale! Grab this pattern for only $2.14 now until 2/17 at 11:59pm CT. No coupon needed.

METHOD: Top-down

MATERIALS:

Yarn: less than 400 yards of fingering weight yarn

Needles: set of 4 dpns (or one 40+’’ circular needle) in the size US 2 ½ (3 mm) and 1 darning needle

Notions: 1 stitch holder, 1 stitch marker, (Optional) 3 yards of matching ribbon (1 ½ yards per sock)

US 2.5 (3 mm) GUAGE: 32 sts and 42 rows= 4’’ in stockinette stitch

LEG MEASURMENTS: 8 ½’’ long and 3 ½’’ wide (unstretched lace)

ABBREVIATIONS:

K=knit P=purl St(s)=stitch(es) WYF=with yarn in front WYB=with yarn in back

DPN(s)=double pointed needle(s) RD=round P2tog=purl two sts together

K2TOG=knit 2 sts together P2SO= pass 2 sts over right needle YO= yarn over

SL 1= sl 1 st (purl-wise) WS=wrong side RS= right side

 

I knit these socks and first published this pattern for a vampire-themed KUAS yarn club back in 2008. Flash-forward to February of 2019...I realized this pattern was never added to Ravely! Whoops. So, I completely "revamped," (yes, pun intended) the pattern instructions and photos to give it a more modern KUAS Designs look.

My goal with all of my patterns is to be clear and accessible to knitters of all levels. I try to include tips, or extra details for tricker techniques/instances where I feel a novice knitter might struggle. 

I write patterns in the way my 2004 self would have understood things. I like clear-cut instructions on how the sts are divided on the needles, and how you manuver them during the heel portion. I don't assume that you have knit thousands of socks. I figure that someone reading my pattern might be new to knitting and working dpns, and would benefit from this style of instructions.

These are wonderful socks for boots that rise a few inches above the ankle. Because there's only 60 sts and most of it is lace, it's a super-quick knit. 

You can't help but feel pretty in these.

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!

WIP: Beacon Hill Scarf--Shortie Version

A long, long while back, I casted on for a aqua/teal version of my Beacon Hill Scarf with some leftover yarn from my stash. The yarn I used for the original scarf was so silky and squishy, that the texture didn't "pop" as well as I would have liked it to.

This version will actually be a "shortie" version that doesn't wrap around the neck twice.

I love the "little tents" that pop out among the garter stitch. It's a very unique stitch texture that looks great vertically or horizontally.

Pattern: Beacon Hill Infinity Scarf

Needles: US 9 (5.5mm)

Yarn: I'm not even sure. I have lost the band years ago.

Guys, can I just point out that my nails were painted for this picture? I NEVER paint my nails. Between the stubby nails as a stay-at-home mom AND being a pianist, there are always in the nude. Aw, this makes me want to paint them again. Too bad they chip almost immediately, no matter how great the brand or no-chip gaurentee is.

I'm further allong with this scarf, but I haven't taken any new photos. I figure that I'll just post the FO later. I can devote more time to this once I get some Christmas knits out of the way.

The Roundabout Shawl (KUAS Designs Pattern)

Good afternoon, dear knitters. I am almost ashamed to admit that nearly a year has passed since I last logged on. Between my Facebook group page for this blog and Instagram, I am still keeping up with sharing my makes, but this blog has seriously been neglected, and for that I am sorry.

I just wanted to peek in here to give you this update, as this pattern is fresh off the online press:

"The Roundabout Shawl"

I don't know if you remember the first version, the "Roundabout Shawlette," by this version uses aran weight yarn and has a lot more shaping. I'd like to think of it as a cosier version on those very cold days.

 See how narrow those are? The original is more scarf-like.

This pattern is beautiful in it's simplicity. The I-cord edging and lace panel are all connected, and it is knit up sideways. I have spent hours writing up a pattern with charts, the written out version, progress charts and colored markers to remind the maker of inc's/dec rows, because although there's eyeltes running the lenth of the shawl, some of it is just decorational.

Materials: 
Yarn: 425 yds/170g of aran (8 wpi) wool yarn.
This pattern used Yarn Bee’s Chloe yarn in the “Bisque” color.
Note: The lace panel will not block out properly if your yarn does not have at least 50% or more wool in it.
Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles, plus a darning needle.
Notions: 2 st makers, 150+ Blocking pins, a blocking mat, 1-2 oz of no-rinse wool wash & a towel

Gauge and measurements:
22 sts= 4’’and 34 rows= 4’’ in Garter Stitch
Prior to blocking: 58’’ long and 12’’ at widest point in main body; 2’’ lace panel section
After blocking: 68’’ long and 13.5’’ wide at the widest main body section; 2.5’’ lace panel section

Abbreviations: CO= cast on K=knit P=purl St(s)=stitch(es) M=(stitch) marker Sl=slip st k2tog=k 2 sts together Ssk=sl 2 sts each knit-wise, then sl the left needle into the front of those sts and k them together Yo=yarn over BO= bind off RS=right side WS=wrong side S2kp=slip 2 sts knit-wise, k1, pass the 2 sl sts over

Pattern Notes: the largest sized lace pattern chart and helpful progress charts can be found on the last page. The increase/decreasing shaping is always done on the RS of the work after the lace panel st marker. You’ll find yellow boxes marking those shaping rows. However, note that there will always be yarn-over holes on the RS of the work! Some yarn-overs are decorative (“sl m, yo, k2tog/ssk”) and some function as part of the increases/decreases. The 3 sl sts at the end of the RS of the work is your “I-Cord edging.”

 I just love the clean look of that I-Cord edging.

See you soon! I'm off to pick the twins up from the bus (they just turned 8!) and work on some Christmas knits that Sam requested. I hope you are enjoying fall!

New Release! The Roundabout Shawlette!

Here's the third and final KUAS Designs release for October (can you hear me huff out of breath?):

the Roundabout Shawlette PDF

A shawlette is a smaller-scale shawl that resembles a scarf. This shawlette is quick and easy, with a clean I-cord edge and pretty lace border that is conveniently knit on one side of the shawlette. If you take care to block the lace edging out after you finish, the edging should resemble roundabout road paths.

Skill: intermediate

Materials: 
Yarn: Less than 375yds or 150g of sport weight wool yarn.  Note: Solid or tonal colorways will look best. For blocking purposes, use a blend with real fibers.
Pattern seen using Knitpicks’ Hawthorn Sport Multi Yarn in “Arbor Lodge” and “The Pearl.” Needles: US 6 (4 mm) straight or circular needles and a darning needle.
Notions: 2 st makers, 150+ Blocking pins, a blocking mat, 1-2 oz of no-rinse wool wash & a towel

Gauge and measurements:
Garter stitches: 20 sts= 4’’ 39 rows= 4’’
Prior to blocking: 53.5’’ long and 7.25’’ at widest point
After blocking: 78’’ long and 8’’ wide at the widest main body section; Roundabout lace edging width: 2.25’’ wide

This blue one marks my third time knitting this shawlette! Let's just say I did my fair share of test knitting it, along with other test knitters the past month or so!

Let's take a look into the past:

Roundabout Shawlette #1

(the one that started them all, but had a crochet edging around the lace)

Roundabout Shawlette #2

Roundabout Shawlette #3

 I will be giving away these two beauts tomorrow to the person who I gave #1 to (she commissioned me to knit two more since she loved hers so much). So I photographed them as much as I could as they will later be out of my hands. I should think they look rather cozy next to eachother, no?

I find that the lace pattern is simple, yet mesmorizing in it's own way.

The sunlight can catch all of those beautiful eyelets surrounding the main garter roundabout section in just the right way.

Which color would you choose for this shawlette? 
I look forward to my next pattern writing endeavors (mittens? hat?). Until next time, happy knitting. Another podcast is coming your way soon.

New Release! Beacon Hill Mittens!

 

My Beacon Hill Mittens have just been released on Ravelry this afternoon, and I am stoked to share this one with the knitting world. The texture is so lovely! This photo was taken on the Boston Tea Party Harbor, in case you were wondering. If you look at my KUAS Podcasts: Episode 10, there's a slideshow of Boston at the end.

Beacon Hill Mittens PDF

15% off now until 10/15 on both Beacon Hill Patterns! No coupon needed!

 

Beacon Hill Mittens  are a quick and easy pattern that is knit seamlessly from the cuff to fingertips. You will find that the Beacon Hill St pattern can be easily memorized within a couple of repeats!
This pattern was inspired by a 19th century Boston Gilded Age mystery series by P.B Ryan that I absolutely adore.

There are complete mitten charts and written out instructions for your convenience.

Pattern Notes:

Sizes: S(M)(L)
20cm(21.5cm)(23cm) hand circumference while worn.

Materials
Yarn: Size S: less than 165 yds/80g of worsted weight wool (recommended: Malabrigo Rios Yarn); Size M: less than 175 yds/85g of yarn; Size L: less than 185yds/90g of yarn.
Needles: set of five dpns, or one 32’’ circular needles:
       Small: US 6 (4mm)
       Medium: US 6 (4mm) and US 7 (5mm)
       Large: US 6 (4mm) and US 8 (4.5mm)
Notions: darning needle, 1 BOR m, 1 thumb m
Stockinette Gauge Swatch
       US 6—21 sts and 29 rds= 4’’
       US 7—20 sts and 28 rds= 4’’
       US 8—19 sts and 27 rds= 4’’

Measurements
Ribbed Cuff (all sizes): 6.5cm wide flat; Fits up to a 19cm diameter wrist – lower/raise needle size to adjust width
Small: 8.5cm wide flat; Fits up to 20cm circumference hand; 25.5cm long Medium: 9cm wide flat; Fits up to 21.5cm circumference hand; 26cm long Large: 9.5cm wide flat; fits up to 23cm circumference hand; 27cm long

It was such a pleasure knitting this up in Malabrigo Rios yarn. It was was so smooth and buttery, compared to the wool I have been knitting with lately.

 Here's size large. I plan on lining this with fleece, as it's very spacious.

Pair it with the Beacon Hill Infinity Scarf and you have yourself a wonderful ensemble!

NEW! Beacon Hill Infinity Scarf

I'm pleased to introduce the first of three KUAS patterns released in October!

Beacon Hill Infinity Scarf (Pattern PDF Download)

This Beacon Hill Infinity Scarf is a quick and easy pattern with a seamless construction. You will find that you can memorize the stitch texture within a couple of repeats!

Inspiration for this scarf came from P.B Ryan’s Gilded Age Boston mystery book series that I adore, that centers around the infamous Beacon Hill area. The garter st reminds me of the uneven cobblestone ground, and the hill-like texture is for all of the hills and row houses that make up Beacon Hill.

BEACON HILL MITTS will become available for purchase by the 2nd week of October. There will be also a scarf & mitt bundle available for $5.99. See the last photo for mitten preview.

Skill Level: late beginner

Materials:
Yarn: less than 320yds or 200g of a lighter weight bulky yarn (pattern seen in Mirasol Yarn Miski, 100% Baby Llama fiber in shade 107). An alpaca wool blend is a nice substitute.
Needles: size US 9 straight or circular needles, or size to meet the gauge
Notions: blocking pins, blocking mat, no- rinse wool wash, darning needle, waste yarn

Gauge:
18sts and 28 rows= 4’’ in the main body texture

Measurements: 50’’- 55’’ circumference and 9’’ wide after blocking

Abbreviations and Special Stitches:
CO= cast on K= knit P=purl St(s)= stitch(es) RS= right side WS=wrong side BO=bind off RH= right hand Sl= slip st (purl-wise) WYF: with yarn in front. This strand will loosely wrap around 5 sts. KWNUS (k with needle under strand): insert RH needle under the loose strand, wrap and k the next st, so that the loose strand is now behind that k st. See picture tutorial on last page.

Pattern Notes:
The infinity scarf is k flat, using an invisible CO method so that both ends of the scarf are grafted together after the blocking process. There will always be a Garter St (knit only) border of 5 sts on the right and left side of the scarf, which is already included in the written pattern and on the chart. For a cleaner edge, sl the first st of every row purl-wise.

If you are using synthetic fiber, skip the blocking phase. Instead, k the scarf to approx. 50-55,’’ cut the yarn, leaving a 20’’ tail, and continue to the Kitchener St sewing instructions.

The infinity scarf is long enough that you loop it twice around your neck. If you wish for a quicker project, feel free to knit half the length (25’’ or so inches long).

 

 These last couple of photos were actually taken at the infamous Acorn Street on Beacon Hill this past weekend! Our Boston trip was AMAZING! We were there Friday through Sunday to celebrate our 8 year wedding anniversary!

Can you see the inspiration in color, name and tent-like picture on the cover? Yes, I AM a big geek! It's a wonderful series, try it out if you are at all interested in the 1800's Boston (Gilded Age romance mystery).

 The matching mitten set is coming out in a few days! Stay tuned. You can purchase it seperately, or as a bundle with the scarf.