Knitted and Seamed Two-colour Beanie with BAHA Slot plus an assortment of sanity-saving hats

This hat is knitted flat and I will use a Bickford seam (despite recommendations not to do so) to keep it flat. My friend has a sensitive head and feels the cold so badly that she wears a beanie to bed, pulling it down to cover the back of her neck. My challenge to myself is to make something strange and quirky for her which is also practical, slightly ugly but essentially lovable.

Feel free to use any DK yarn; I chose Sublime Yarns Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK in colourways 0160 (blue-purple) and 0051 (blue). This hat may be weird but it will be warm.

With 3.5mm needles, I cast on 100 stitches being 98 st plus 2 selvedge st using Tillybuddy's very stretchy cast-on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTIBTm0QL6A

Rows 1-14

Remembering to work on the very tips of my needles to lessen the risk of loosening strands on the cast-on as I knit, I slip purlwise first selvedge then k2p2 rib to last selvedge which I knit through back loop. I knit 2x2 ribbing in pattern for 14 rows.

Rows 15-28

Change to 4.0mm needles and, retaining selvedges, use Roxanne Richardson's "slip the knits and knit the purls" transition from ribbing to stocking stitch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVLCXu8w3uM then knit stocking stitch for 13 more rows, ending with a purl row.

Row 29

Change to 6.0mm needles and, retaining selvedges, *k4 then k2tog* to last 4k st and selvedge, bringing stitch count down to 84 and 2 selvedges.

Rows 30 - 35

Add second colour and, retaining selvedges, purl. Continue stocking stitch for 5 more rows, ending with a knit row.

Rows 36 - 41

Six rows reverse stocking stitch, beginning with knit row.

Rows 42 - 47

Six rows stocking stitch, beginning with a purl row.

Rows 48 - 53

Six rows reverse stocking stitch, beginning with knit row.

Decrease crown:

Row 54

Slip selvedge then change second colour to main colour, * p6 slip 1 knitwise p1 psso * to end, p4 and knit selvedge

Row 55

Slip selvedge, knit to end and knit selvedge

Row 56

Slip selvedge, * p5 slip 1 knitwise p1 psso * to end, p4 and knit selvedge

Row 57

Slip selvedge, knit to end and knit selvedge

Row 58

Slip selvedge, * p4 slip 1 knitwise p1 psso * to end, p4 and knit selvedge

Row 59

Slip selvedge, knit to end and knit selvedge

Row 60

Slip selvedge, * p3 slip 1 knitwise p1 psso * to end, p4 and knit selvedge

Row 61

Slip selvedge, knit to end and knit selvedge

Row 62

Slip selvedge, * p2 slip 1 knitwise p1 psso * to end, knit selvedge

Row 63

Slip selvedge, knit to end and knit selvedge

Row 64

Slip selvedge, * p1 slip 1 knitwise p1 psso * to end, knit selvedge

Row 65

Slip selvedge, knit to end and knit selvedge

Row 66

Slip selvedge, * p1 slip 1 knitwise p1 psso * to end, knit selvedge

Row 67

Slip selvedge, k2tog to end, k1 and knit selvedge.

With a very long tail sufficient to seam the hat, cinch the last 8 stitches together and off the needle and seam the selvedge stitches for about 5" each from the top and cuff (which folds up against the reverse stocking stitch to both cover the fragile floats and to make this part of the hat as thick as the double-yarn section). Find your lucky recipient and measure exactly where in the open seamed area will sit the BAHA. I planned to crochet around the BAHA position to widen the actual hole instead of allowing the knitted fabric to chafe against the device. This was unnecessary and the recipient loves both the hat and the fingerless mitts which can fold back. She is warm and happy so I am happy too.

I spent much of 2020 locked down on a friend's small rural property thanks to the Chinese virus. I knitted hats and drank wine - I quickly learned not to do both at the same time. If I used a pattern, it will be noted on Ravelry.

Better Dorm Slipper Socks

I knitted up some slipper socks for spouse and a friend from Bendigo  Woollen Mills' "bloom", 8ply or DK 100% wool in slow colour change. Wool was held double and the colour changes in each ball provided an interesting effect - I think "unique" describes these, lol.

The pattern I used was https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/better-dorm-boots-for-men. As I was using DK rather than worsted, I used a larger size which was a very good idea. Spouse (bottom photograph) wore his newly-completed slippers into operating theatre during a recent hospital stay, where they were apparently admired by most of the staff. lol.

Unraveled again, sigh

The Moda Vera Gelato yarn, cotton and acrylic, was to be transformed into a top-down sleeveless pullover-style garment.  I found a lovely top at Garnstudio (Drops 137-2) and knitted assiduously until it was finally finished.  I tried it on.  I took it off.  I unsewed, unraveled and rewound the yarn.  I need to remind myself when pattern-hunting that I am not 16 and no longer have that elegant shape.  Sigh.

This yarn now makes really, really good dishcloths.

Progress of crocheted top

I am making a crocheted top for myself so I have decided to record my progress here and write the pattern at the same time, give or take constant editing and changes of mind.

This is English terminology, not USA.
dc = double crochet, in USA terms is single crochet
tr = treble, in USA terms is double crochet

This top should fit a 101.5cm or 40" bust. My swatch gave me 4.5 dc stitches per row inch and I am expecting it to stretch a touch.  I am deliberately making it in two pieces, front and back, because I like the structure of a seam. Sleeves? Undecided for now.

My chosen yarn is Moda Vera Gelato with which I am using a 4mm crochet hook.

Back
Chain 81 stitches
Row 1: dc into second chain then into each chain across the row (80 stitches), ch 1 and turn
Rows 2 to 5: dc into all stitches (80), ch 1 and turn
Row 6: dc into all stitches, ch 3 and turn
Row 7: tr into first 2 stitches *then skip a stitch then three tr into next stitch then skip a stitch then tr into next two stitches* repeat between ** to end of row, ch 3 and turn
Row 8: repeat row 7 but ch 1 and turn
This gives an 8-row repeating pattern.

Rows 9 to 13: repeat row 2
Row 14: repeat row 6
Rows 15 and 16: repeat rows 7 and 8
Rows 17 to 21: repeat row 2
Row 22: repeat row 6
Rows 23 and 24 repeat rows 7 and 8
These three pattern repeats give me a length of around 5 inches or 12.5 cm.

I shall double it then look at position of bust ...
Go and have a glass of wine, I will sort this eventually.

15th September 2017

I frogged this project as I totally lost interest and will now knit a top-down sleeveless pullover-style garment instead.  My apologies to anyone who was actually interested.

Banana Lupin Muffins

Serves 6

½ cup lupin flour

¼ cup psyllium

1/8 cup brown sugar

¼ tsp cream of tartar

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

¼ cup peanut oil

1 extra large egg

1 large mashed banana

2 tsp cinnamon

Mix dry ingredients then add oil, egg, banana. Apportion into 6 silicon muffin moulds, bake at 175C for 20 minutes in turbo oven.

Nutrition Facts	per 1 muffin (77 g)
Kilojoules Calories	900 kj 215 kcal
Protein	5.2 g
Fat	10.5 g
Saturated Fat	1.8 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Carbohydrate	35.4 g
Sugar	6.1 g
Fibre	23.4 g
Sodium	175 mg
Potassium	203.8 mg

Blackberry jam recipe - not sweet

500g brambleberries / blackberries
1 cup dried mixed fruit (no cherries)
1/2 cup water
1/2 grated Granny Smith apple

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and bring to the boil then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring regularly to avoid sticking.  Mash fruit with potato masher after about 10 minutes, keep stirring regularly, cook until most of the liquid has evaporated - about an hour in total.

Dissolve 2 heaped teaspoons of arrowroot in about 30ml (an ounce) of cold water and stir thoroughly into jam. Remove pot from heat and spoon contents into clean jars, screw on lids immediately to retain heat. Refrigerate for a week or so, but check surface of jam each time before you use it, just in case.

Janet's Keyhole Ascot

I made a keyhole ascot for my sister the other day and kept basic notes for myself as I knitted it so I make no promises .... it certainly needs some cosmetic attention.

Using 6mm needles and 8ply (Australian 8ply) wool, cast on 3 stitches.
k1, yo, k2
k1, yo, k3
continue with k1, yo, k to end until 18 st
then
start each row with k1, yo, k2tog (to maintain stitch count) then k to end for 14 rows (18 st)
then
k1, yo, k2tog, k2tog (to decrease) then k to end for 6 rows (12 st).

Change to 5mm needles and k1 p1 rib for 16 rows, place these stitches on spare needle
then (I leave the yarn attached with enough slack to weave both ends later when I cut it in  half)
with RS facing, pick up 12 stitches at base of ribbing and k1 p1 rib for 16 rows
then
place side by side both needles with sets of stitches and knit together one stitch from       each needle to end (12 st).
Thus is formed the slot to hold other side of the scarf.

Change to 6mm needles.
k1, yo, k to end increasing evenly to 19 st - do not increase on last stitch
k1, yo, k to end increasing evenly to 25 st - do not increase on last stitch
k1, yo, k2tog, k to end for 90 rows (maintaining 25 st)
then
k1, yo, k to end decreasing evenly to 19 st - do not decrease on last stitch
k1, yo, k to end decreasing evenly to 12 st - do not decrease on last stitch.

Change to 5mm needles and k1 p1 rib for 16 rows.

Change to 6mm needles
k1, yo (to increase) then k to end for 6 rows (18 st)
then
k1, yo, k2tog (to maintain stitch count) then k to end for 14 rows (18 st)
then
k1, yo, k2tog, k2tog (to decrease) then k to end for 15 rows (3 st) then cast off. Draw the  yarn-over stitches tight for the last four rows so they don't look too "wobbly". Weave in ends and block if necessary.

After drawing end through keyhole, I folded neck section over. 

Happy New Year 2013

I wish you all a fabulous yarny year.

Why not visit a local alpaca farm or cotton mill as a treat? A driving holiday along these lines could also be planned. Fascinating places.

Crocheted Cotton Dishcloth Pattern

This is my first pattern writing effort, no doubt there are many variations out there. Please note this is written in English, not USA, terms. dc=sc

The cloth is a simple thing: 

Using Anchor Magicline cotton (any 8ply knitting cotton should do) and 4.5mm crochet hook, I chained 38 stitches, dc into 2nd from end then dc to end of row, ch1 and turn; dc 2 more rows. For main pattern, dc 3 stitches each end and v-stitch (alternate dc and ch) the rest of the rows, continue until 3 rows shy of square. Fold diagonally from corner to corner to check size. Finish with 3 rows dc and a chain edge trim all around and a chain loop in a corner to hang the cloth from a handy projection.
The pattern would probably stand out better with a solid colour. What the heck, it is thick and flexible and I like it.

Next photo is of different cottons held together, no edge and no loop; still thick and thirsty and you can see the pattern a little better.

E-book reader cover

I bought myself a small Kindle and made a cover in 100% washable wool. The tunisian crochet is denser than the other style so should absorb some of the shocks during its life. There is a front flap which sits under a single crochet string across the envelope. Another crochet string is attached to one corner of this flap which wraps around the whole item for a bit of security. I didn't want to use button or zipper closures, just wool. I am happy with it.

Cloths

Cloths are wonderful things, limited only by your imagination. I recently crocheted two from the same Australian cotton: for one I used a larger hook, giving it a soft texture and drape and I made it to a larger size because it is destined to be a shower cloth; the other is made tighter and edged whimsically as a kitchen cloth. They are treasured gifts, my friends know there is love in every stitch.

Bamboo yarn slinky hat

Not everyone wants a beret - can you imagine that?!

So I made a lacy black bamboo yarn slinky cap for my niece. To my joy, she loves it.

If the girl ever sends me a photo (sigh) I will show that too.
It would be good to show the cap on a person instead of a car bonnet or country fence-post.

Berets

Berets look great on most people, I recently discovered, but my family don't own berets - well, they didn't until I decided to fulfil their unvoiced need.

A basic pattern is easy to reconfigure.











Make up a lace pattern.

Mix and match yarns.

Make up a different lace pattern to match another loved person's individuality.

Or keep it simple.

Just remember to always use the very best yarn you can afford.

Your hands and their heads will thank you for it!

Water bottle carrier

I walk along beaches and around parks so I always carry a bottle of water with me. This holder is crocheted in acrylic and I used Tunisian crochet for the sturdy handle.

I normally sling it over my shoulder so the bottle tucks against my back near my arm, thus leaving both hands free.

Have I thought of a full water bottle being a potential defence against a menacing animal? Hell yes!

The Scarf

I rarely knit now that I have discovered crochet, but I made an exception for this gorgeous scarf which I made from pure wool and mohair. It is a simple straight scarf, wide enough to fold in half lengthwise, with a moss stitch border and garter stitch. This will keep the brother's neck warm!

I went beserk and crocheted him some slippers too.

Isn't he a lucky bloke!!

More Hats

Friends are about to visit a cold place so I made them hats:

the brim should protect his glasses from rain

such a pity the subtle colours don't show

Big fun hat

This crocheted hat is bucket shaped with slightly denser brim, so you can curl up the brim or wear it down or poke it into a trilby style.

 I had fun with it and sent it to a friend.