From heel to head--a stocking-turned-hat

I made my granddaughter's Christmas stocking a few days ago, in two colors and similar to the one I made for her brother last year.  

A couple more scrappy hats along with the stocking

The pattern got made up as I went along...and then I thought the leg of the stocking might make a good hat, and that writing it down might also be a good idea.  So...this hat is worked from the bottom up and is good practice for two color knitting. I used leftovers from the stocking, so you don't need much yarn--you could get even more creative and do each section of blocks in different colors if you like!

The smidge you see in the lower right corner is also a hat done with the same yarns--a crochet version that didn't turn out quite the way I wanted.

The pattern:

Materials:  worsted or light worsted weight yarn, 1 skein each of two colors (Model uses Red Heart Shimmer in Shamrock [color A] and Caron Simply Soft Party in Purple Sparkle [color B]; you will have quite a bit left over as well); 16” size 8 circular needle and dpns OR long circular needle if using Magic Loop, stitch marker

Gauge:  (not crucial but offered here as a guideline):  19 sts = 4” in stockinette stitch, working in round

NOTE:  For smaller hats (infant/child size), use smaller yarn and needles.   

PATTERN:

Cast on 76 sts with color B. Being careful not to twist the work, join into a round and place a marker for end of round. Knit one round. At end of round, join color A (you can choose to carry the yarn you are not using up as you go or you can break color B and join it again later).

Using color A, work 5 rounds as follows: *K1, p1. Repeat from * around.
Using color B, knit 3 rounds even.
Next round: *With color B, k2. With color A, k2. Repeat from * around.
Repeat the last round twice more.
With color B, knit 3 rounds even.
With color A, knit 3 rounds even.
Next round: *With color A, k2. With color B, k2. Repeat from * around.
Repeat the last round twice more.
With color A, knit 3 rounds even.
With color B, knit 3 rounds even.
Next round: *With color B, k2. With color A, k2. Repeat from * around.
Repeat the last round twice more.
With color B, knit 3 rounds. Increase twice in the 3rd round as follows: [K37, kfb] twice (78 sts).
Break color B and continue working with color A. Knit 4 rounds even.
Begin decreases for crown:
Round 1: *K11, k2tog. Repeat from * around (72 sts).
Rounds 2 and all even numbered rounds: Knit.
Round 3: *K10, k2tog. Repeat from * around (66 sts).
Round 5: *K9, k2tog. Repeat from * around (60 sts).
Round 7: *K8, k2tog. Repeat from * around (54 sts).
Round 9: *K7, k2tog. Repeat from * around (48 sts).
Round 11: *K6, k2tog. Repeat from * around (42 sts).
Round 13: *K5, k2tog. Repeat from * around (36 sts).
Round 15: *K4, k2tog. Repeat from * around (30 sts).
Round 17: *K3, k2tog. Repeat from * around (24 sts).
Round 19: *K2, k2tog. Repeat from * around (18 sts).
Round 21: *K1, k2tog. Repeat from * around (12 sts).
Round 23: *K2tog. Repeat from * around (6 sts).

Knit one more round; bind off and break yarn. Thread a yarn needle with tail and draw through, pulling tight to close up hole. Weave in ends.

I've uploaded the corrected version--and I apologize for not proofing better!  I'd also love to see pictures of the projects if you make one! 

Yarn in the Kitchen

 Once in a while, I come across something I just have to try.  This time, I couldn't wait to give this a go:  Food Coloring and Yarn!

I can't expand on those directions, as they're terrific, so check out that post.  It took very little time and I loved seeing the colors change.  I waited until all the green got absorbed, then stirred the yarn around a little to find undyed parts, added blue and let the yarn soak it up, then threw in the yellow.  Here's what I ended up with.

This was a great way to get rid of a leftover box of food coloring--and a skein of Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool that I bought a while back (it was half price, and even though I had no clue what to do with it...well, if you're a yarnie, you know how that works).  I have always loved the idea of dyeing my own yarn, but I hate using chemicals and haven't learned enough about natural dyes to do much yet.  This seemed like the perfect medium to work with, since my last attempt (Kool-Aid dyeing) didn't turn out exactly as I would have liked (I think I needed more Kool-Aid and patience that time--I still have the yarn and will probably redo it to make the color more uniform and darker--sometimes, going for variegated doesn't work).

I wonder what this will knit up into?  I hope to find out soon!

Yesterday, I did some yarn inventory, too.  My stash dwindles a bit, but I haven't panicked yet; I have a good bit left and that will likely get me through the winter (two large totes should hold me a while).  I was amazed at how small but heavy a ball one gets from 1600 yards of lace weight (shot put, anyone?!).  I'll have more to say about that later, naturally...once that yarn decides what it wants to be.  :)

Currently, the project design underway is a triangle shawl worked in the round (I know, sounds weird!).  We'll see if and how my charting skills have improved shortly...

Until next time, keep 'em clicking!