Simple Knitted Beanies

I have discovered one co-worker who enjoys knitting. Recently, she stopped me in the hall and asked if I knew any simple beanie (toque) patterns she could make. “Sure!” I said.

Here are some of my favorites that are easy to knit (and free!):

Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits- This is a great beginner’s hat. Tin Can Knits does a wonderful job with the tutorial within the pattern as well as creating a pattern that fits all ages.

Bankhead by Susie Gourlay– I have never made this pattern, but I really like the wide ribbing. There is also a great backstory to the naming of the pattern.

Classic Cuffed Hat by Purl Soho– Love Purl Soho, love the simplicity of this hat. 

Graham by Jennifer Adams- Graham has a simple construction with a pretty easy texture pattern. It makes for great TV knitting.

What is (are) your favorite simple knitted beanie pattern(s)? 

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

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Mimic Sweater

My Mimic Sweater by Veronika Jobe is finally blocked! I have to say it came out fantastic. I was so glad the pattern gave great tips on blocking. I didn’t use clothespins as suggested. Instead, I made sure to let the bottom on the sweater drape over the edge of a ledge while drying. By doing this, the pattern really opened up and the result was a garment with great drape. Lately it has been quite chilly in Guangzhou so I used my Mimic as a layer piece. However, this sweater is super lightweight so I can picture myself wearing it in warmer weather.

 

What have you been working on? 

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

In-Betweener Hat

Mimic is officially off the needles and drying from a good soak. From what I can tell the yarn stretched really nicely so I will have a nice flowy sweater. I wasn’t quite sure what to start on next so I pulled out some of my leftover yarn from my Pivot Cowl to whip up an infant beanie.

This beanie is so soft. I love the vividness of the jungle green color. I knit a 1×1 rib for about 1.5 inches. I then alternated the “Frankie Says Relax” and “Jaded” yarns from Magpie Fibers to make a hat with a 6.5 inch total height. I did end up with a little color pooling, but I don’t think it looks too bad.

For me, infant hats are a great in-between project. They help use up my yarn left-overs while trying to figure out my next project. They also are a pretty quick and mindless FO to whip up.

What is your favorite in-between project? 

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

Knitting Mimic

Mimic is a pattern that needs you to make wise yarn choices. Early last year, I attempted to make this sweater with some older yarn from my stash. It was a wool/acrylic blend that I bought way back when. The pattern has a special note about swatching (hanging clothes pins from the swatch when wet to imitate the blocking process) so I made sure to follow it. My swatch looked pretty good.  About 1.5 sections into the sweater I noticed that the fiber I choose was not doing what I imagined it would do. The garment looked too stiff and boxy…not at all like the picture. I was dissatisfied with it so I frogged it. I still loved the pattern so I stashed it away for another day.

Looking at all of the yarn I bought in Beijing I thought this wine colored yarn would fit Mimic’s needs. This yarn is a lighter weight than my original choice and has a certain squish to it. I am again about 3/4 of the way done and things are looking much better. I believe I will achieve my desired look. I have just the back armholes to work and then I will be done!

When was the last time (if ever) that you put aside a project due to yarn-pattern incompatibility? 

Until Next Time,

-Whit-