Is it wrong that I’ve started knitting for December? I feel a twinge of embarrassment so I guess I know the answer! I picked up two skeins of sweetgeorgia superwash worsted and thought they would be perfect for Knitting Pure & Simple’s Children’s Neck Down Bolero #275. This will go to a little girl whose nickname is “Leaping Lill”. The vibrant colour should suit her nicely!

The button was an Etsy purchase from Buttonalia. I may just have to order these cherry red buttons as well!

[Ravelled]

My dear friend Erin has a brand new niece! I picked up some sweetgeorgia Superwash Merino in Savory (a nice, vibrant colour for a baby, I think) and knit up a cardi and hat set for little Madeline. The cardi is Debbie Bliss‘ Ribbed Baby Jacket and the hat is my go-to pattern for baby hats – the Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch ‘N Bitch.

[Ravelled: cardi + hat]

It’s been so warm and summery here in Toronto that it really doesn’t feel right to be modelling knits! I can imagine though, that once the summer is over this will make quite a cozy cowl. It’s a simple, infinity-style knit with dropped stitches forming ladders at either edge.

Destroyed Cowl is a free download by Martha Merzig (Ravelry link) and takes just one skein of worsted-weight yarn. I used Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Pearl. Love it, but I’m giving it up!

[Photos courtesy of Chris]

[Ravelled]

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! We celebrated by eating pumpkin and squash in various incarnations – pumpkin waffles, squash soup, squash lasagna and of course, pumpkin pie – and taking a walk through the beautiful Thornton Bales King Trail. I wasn’t prepared for the 5-degree drop in temperature just north of Toronto, and had to fight the urge to wear my latest FO on the trail, the cozy, merino Fetching Mitts (intended as a gift).

Fetching is another pattern by Cheryl Niamath, available for free on Knitty, Summer 2006. The pattern is extremely popular (12,268 projects currently on ravelry), but it only occurred to me to make them now. I’m already planning my next pair! They’re so sweet with the cables at the wrists and picot bind off.

[Ravelled]

The Woodman’s Cap would make a fine accessory for the tin man in your life. The shape is reminiscent of the funnel the Tin Woodman wore on his head in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. However, this cap is made out of some of the yummiest merino around – Malabrigo worsted. I’m sure it will bring much more warmth and comfort than the original metal.

I made this cap for my cousin Paul’s birthday and thought I’d write up the pattern to share with you. The overall shape is based on an existing machine-knit hat that he has worn (and worn and worn), and wanted a replacement for. This new version is a classic toque with a ribbed brim, funnel topper and optional handle.

Note: If you choose to use one colour rather than two you will likely only need one skein of Malabrigo

Finished Measurements

Hat circumference  = 23 inches (58 cm) or man-sized

Materials

1 skein Malabrigo Worsted in Vaa (51) – colour A

1 skein Malabrigo Worsted in Lettuce (37) – colour B

US 9 (5.5 mm)/ 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle

US 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles

2 stitch markers (different colours)

tapestry needle

measuring tape

Gauge

17 sts and 28 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) of stockinette stitch

Directions

Cast on 88 sts with colour A

Place a stitch marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist any stitches

Work K2, P2 rib for 3 inches  (7 1/2 cm) as follows: [K2, P2] to end of round, repeat for every round

Change to colour B using the TECHknitter’s Stationary Jogless Stripes technique: slip the marker at the beginning of the next round, start stockinette stitch with colour B and work to end of round; on the next round, slip the marker and slip the first stitch of the colour change round purlwise; knit the rest of the stitches in the round (2 rounds worked)

Continue in stockinette stitch for five more rounds

Shape body of hat as follows:

a)  k2tog, knit 42, place second stitch marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (86 sts)

b) knit five rounds

c) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (84 sts)

d) knit four rounds

e) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (82 sts)

f) knit three rounds

g) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (80 sts)

h) knit two rounds

i) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (78 sts)

j) knit one round

k) k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (76 sts)

l) knit one round, removing second stitch marker

Shape the crown as follows:

Round 1 – [k2, k2tog], repeat to end of round (57 sts)

Rounds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 – knit

Round 3 – [k1, k2tog], repeat to end of round (38 sts)

Round 5 – k2tog, knit 17, place second marker, k2tog, knit to end  of round (36 sts)

Round 7 – k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (34 sts)

Round 9 – k2tog, knit to second marker, slip marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (32 sts)

Round 11 – [k2tog], repeat to end of round (16 sts)

Round 13 – k2tog, knit to second marker, remove marker, k2tog, knit to end of round (14 sts)

Work funnel tip in stockinette stitch for approximately 2 inches (5 cm), or until desired length

Bind off

Optional funnel handle (concept courtesy blacksanta)

Cast on 3 stitches with colour B and work an I-cord for 3 inches (7 1/2 cm)

Bind off and attach to hat at colour change round (placement pictured above)

Finishing

Weave in yarn ends with tapestry needle

Wet block being careful not to stretch ribbing at brim

This hat makes a really sweet baby gift, with the added bonus of being a quick, one-piece knit. It took just shy of one ball of Diamond Bamboo Cotton yarn. I used the pattern Cisco by the Berroco Design Team, with some modifications. I knit the whole hat in garter stitch (rather than stockinette in parts), worked I-cords for the ties and used one solid colour rather than the stripe pattern given.

The ears are a playful feature of this little hat. I used to think dressing children up as animals was cruel. I’ve changed my mind. It’s ridiculously cute.