Last chance to Etsy shop and a giveaway!

My family and I have spent the last 4 glorious and amazing months living and working in Brooklyn NY and our time here is coming to an end. Usually I sell my hand knitted baby designs in my Etsy store and I am sure I have let a few people down this season as I am taking a break while in NY. My Etsy store is closing tomorrow and will reopen in the new year filled with new knits, patterns and more kits.

'Tis the season for a little giveaway goodness! Just in time for dressing up for holiday parties I am giving away a little hand knit Angora Bolero from by book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. This little girls bolero jacket is hand knit with super soft Sublime angora and merino wool in sky blue and will fit babies around 6-12 months. To be in to win simply leave a comment in today's post. I'll close comments and announce the winner by 12pm EST on Sunday December. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And the winner is...

Kyrie

So darling! I have an 8mo old girlie who would look delicious in that ;)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Last chance to Etsy shop and a giveaway!

My family and I have spent the last 4 glorious and amazing months living and working in Brooklyn NY and our time here is coming to an end. Usually I sell my hand knitted baby designs in my Etsy store and I am sure I have let a few people down this season as I am taking a break while in NY. My Etsy store is closing tomorrow and will reopen in the new year filled with new knits, patterns and more kits.

'Tis the season for a little giveaway goodness! Just in time for dressing up for holiday parties I am giving away a little hand knit Angora Bolero from by book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. This little girls bolero jacket is hand knit with super soft Sublime angora and merino wool in sky blue and will fit babies around 6-12 months. To be in to win simply leave a comment in today's post. I'll close comments and announce the winner by 12pm EST on Sunday December. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And the winner is...

Kyrie

So darling! I have an 8mo old girlie who would look delicious in that ;)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Knitting Patterns now in stores

Shescrafty knitting patterns are now available as leaflets in stores...if you are interested in finding where to buy or would like information on selling please email hadley@shescraftyknits.com

Knitting Patterns now in stores

Shescrafty knitting patterns are now available as leaflets in stores...if you are interested in finding where to buy or would like information on selling please email hadley@shescraftyknits.com

Modern Baby Bonnet : Free Pattern (limited)

It seems as this last week in New York was the start of winter as the temperatures have dipped down into those brisk single digits that are hard to ignore. Brrr! Apparently we might see our first snow this weekend so there is no time to waist knitting mittens and hats to keep little ones snug and stylish.

Good timing that the winter issue of Small Magazine was released this week which not only features the most gorgeous fashions, inspiration and art for little folk but I am honored that one of my knitting patterns was selected as this issues Small Project. The Modern Baby Bonnet Pattern from my book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies is available as a free PDF download for a limited time only! There are some lovely yarns to knit this cap with and some of my favorites are the Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK, Classic Elite Yarns Classic Silk as well as Debbie Bliss

Cashmerino DK. See what other yarns the Modern Baby Bonnet can be knit with on Ravelry.com.

Modern Baby Bonnet : Free Pattern (limited)

It seems as this last week in New York was the start of winter as the temperatures have dipped down into those brisk single digits that are hard to ignore. Brrr! Apparently we might see our first snow this weekend so there is no time to waist knitting mittens and hats to keep little ones snug and stylish.

Good timing that the winter issue of Small Magazine was released this week which not only features the most gorgeous fashions, inspiration and art for little folk but I am honored that one of my knitting patterns was selected as this issues Small Project. The Modern Baby Bonnet Pattern from my book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies is available as a free PDF download for a limited time only! There are some lovely yarns to knit this cap with and some of my favorites are the Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK, Classic Elite Yarns Classic Silk as well as Debbie Bliss

Cashmerino DK. See what other yarns the Modern Baby Bonnet can be knit with on Ravelry.com.

Free Girls Petite Beret Pattern

When I began Shescrafty Knits over 7 years ago I was selling knitted baby hats, cardigans and booties that were hand knitted by my fine group of knitters here in New Zealand. One of the of the most popular hats was the Petite Beret which is now included in my baby pattern book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. We have knit this cap in hundreds of color combinations over the years and the possibilities are endless. Since the Petite Beret pattern in my book go up to age 3, I thought I would include the pattern here for ages 4-8 years for those of you who's girls are growing up before your eyes.

Girls Petite Beret (ages 4-8)

Size

To fit girls age 4-8 years

Materials
*50g Ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino or other DK/semi worsted yarn.

*Yarn of choice for i-cord (fingering/4ply works best)

*1 Pair US 3 (3.25mm)knitting needles.
*1 Pair US 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles.
*2 double pointed needles US 5 (3.75mm)

Gauge

24sts and 32 rows to 4” (10cm) on larger needles in st st.

Cap

Using smaller needles, CO 90 sts loosley.

Work 8 rows in K1, P1 rib.

Change to 3.75mm (US 5) needles.

Next row: *(K1, inc) 15x; (k2, inc) 7x; k1 rep from * to end (156 sts).

Next Row: Purl

Work eyelet row as follows: K4, *yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * to end

Next Row: Purl

Work 14 rows of st st.

Shape Crown

1st row: K1, *K15, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

2nd and alt rows: P

3rd row: K1, *K14, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

5th row: K1, *K13, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

7th row: K1, *K12, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

Continue to decrease in this way on every following alt row until 21 sts remain.

Next row: Purl

Next Row: K1, K2tog 10 times.

Thread wool through remaining 11 sts and fasten off securely.

Make i-Cord

CO 3 sts using double pointed needles.

Knit, don't turn.

Slip the sts back to the beginning of the needle and k the row again.

Continue in this manner until you have a short length of knitting, pull down on the cord and the gap at the back will close.

Continue until the cord is the 30” (76cm).

Thread the yarn through the sts and pull firmly.

Finishing

Press fabric according to instructions on ball. Using back stitch, join seam.

Starting at the side towards the front, weave i-cord through eyelets and tie a bow at open end.

Free Girls Petite Beret Pattern

When I began Shescrafty Knits over 7 years ago I was selling knitted baby hats, cardigans and booties that were hand knitted by my fine group of knitters here in New Zealand. One of the of the most popular hats was the Petite Beret which is now included in my baby pattern book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. We have knit this cap in hundreds of color combinations over the years and the possibilities are endless. Since the Petite Beret pattern in my book go up to age 3, I thought I would include the pattern here for ages 4-8 years for those of you who's girls are growing up before your eyes.

Girls Petite Beret (ages 4-8)

Size

To fit girls age 4-8 years

Materials
*50g Ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino or other DK/semi worsted yarn.

*Yarn of choice for i-cord (fingering/4ply works best)

*1 Pair US 3 (3.25mm)knitting needles.
*1 Pair US 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles.
*2 double pointed needles US 5 (3.75mm)

Gauge

24sts and 32 rows to 4” (10cm) on larger needles in st st.

Cap

Using smaller needles, CO 90 sts loosley.

Work 8 rows in K1, P1 rib.

Change to 3.75mm (US 5) needles.

Next row: *(K1, inc) 15x; (k2, inc) 7x; k1 rep from * to end (156 sts).

Next Row: Purl

Work eyelet row as follows: K4, *yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * to end

Next Row: Purl

Work 14 rows of st st.

Shape Crown

1st row: K1, *K15, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

2nd and alt rows: P

3rd row: K1, *K14, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

5th row: K1, *K13, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

7th row: K1, *K12, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

Continue to decrease in this way on every following alt row until 21 sts remain.

Next row: Purl

Next Row: K1, K2tog 10 times.

Thread wool through remaining 11 sts and fasten off securely.

Make i-Cord

CO 3 sts using double pointed needles.

Knit, don't turn.

Slip the sts back to the beginning of the needle and k the row again.

Continue in this manner until you have a short length of knitting, pull down on the cord and the gap at the back will close.

Continue until the cord is the 30” (76cm).

Thread the yarn through the sts and pull firmly.

Finishing

Press fabric according to instructions on ball. Using back stitch, join seam.

Starting at the side towards the front, weave i-cord through eyelets and tie a bow at open end.

Magpie Patterns

As the cooler Autumn temps are settling in on us here in New York, I am suddenly itching to knit and I have about a years worth of knitting projects in the queue. (just as well because I am in the midst of an almost perpetual winter since leaving the Southern Hemisphere for the Northern).

I have been browsing the book shops and knitting stores here in New York and I realize there is no shortage of patterns and projects but for me it has been an overwhelming experience. When I get overwhelmed, I run home and log onto Ravelry.com to help me figure out which pattern is best. Ravelry is great but still, there is a lot to weed through.

Then along came Magpie Patterns which has a lovely (and growing) selection of independent needlework patterns including knitting, crochet, embroidery and sewing all displayed by the well curated eye of its owner. In addition to individual patterns there is a beautiful selection of all my favorite craft books as well.

Over the years I have had many requests for a baby cardigan pattern that is knit all-in-one piece. I finally found one on Magpie Knits! Manda Ruth, a little hooded cardigan by Jane Richmond, is knit from the top down and is virtually seamless. Seed stitch adds texture to this raglan sweater and worsted weight yarn makes this project fly off the needles. How cute?

Magpie Patterns

As the cooler Autumn temps are settling in on us here in New York, I am suddenly itching to knit and I have about a years worth of knitting projects in the queue. (just as well because I am in the midst of an almost perpetual winter since leaving the Southern Hemisphere for the Northern).

I have been browsing the book shops and knitting stores here in New York and I realize there is no shortage of patterns and projects but for me it has been an overwhelming experience. When I get overwhelmed, I run home and log onto Ravelry.com to help me figure out which pattern is best. Ravelry is great but still, there is a lot to weed through.

Then along came Magpie Patterns which has a lovely (and growing) selection of independent needlework patterns including knitting, crochet, embroidery and sewing all displayed by the well curated eye of its owner. In addition to individual patterns there is a beautiful selection of all my favorite craft books as well.

Over the years I have had many requests for a baby cardigan pattern that is knit all-in-one piece. I finally found one on Magpie Knits! Manda Ruth, a little hooded cardigan by Jane Richmond, is knit from the top down and is virtually seamless. Seed stitch adds texture to this raglan sweater and worsted weight yarn makes this project fly off the needles. How cute?

Pilgrimage to Brooklyn General

While we are in NY for 4 months, my 6 year old son is not starting school here because he just finished Montessori school in New Zealand and the new school year starts in Feb there. Jasper is not very good with new things, so we decided he would stay home with me for the 4 months and I would get a babysitter 2 days a week so I can get some work done (and shopping). So yesterday on one of my babysitter days I was determined to check out another yarn shop. So far I have been a little underwhelmed when I visited Purl Soho (great yarns but too cramped and no room to play) and my local Knit-A-Way (decent selection but too blah and uninspiring). I really wanted to find a yarn store that would make me weak in the knees and inspire me to create (and part with my Visa). Well my good friends, I have found all these things and more at Brooklyn General in Red Hook.

I apologize for my crappy photos but my camera broke and I am left taking photos with my iphone until it is replaced. It is well worth noting that the Hodge Podge Farm Blog has better pictures that are worth checking out as the Brooklyn General website doesn't give you the real impression of the amazing fiber on display and the exquisite selection of fabrics and books.

I only had a limited amount of time in the shop but the super friendly gal behind the counter was all too helpful giving me a little tour of the yarns she is most fond of. Since I live in New Zealand which would you believe has the worst yarn stores in the world (don't get me started!), coming to Brooklyn General I felt like a pilgrim that finally reached the shrine. The store itself is just bursting with color and texture not only from the products but the old wooden shelving that was part of the original General Store it had been before the knitters moved in. The store stocks only high quality natural fiber yarns which are chosen by color, feel and apparently smell. I love that. I was completely overwhelmed with all the varieties of small batch kettle dyed wools, crazy felted yarn from Germany and luscious sock yarns, super bulky merino dyed in candy colors. I ended up buying 4 skeins of Malabrigio Chunky Merino in Paris Night which is a kettle dyed deep dark midnight blue with hints of deep purple throughout. Oh dear, I am in love with this yarn and have big plans to knit Emory a chill choker (now on the needles) and my Mom one of my Wellington Southerly Cowls for her birthday.

This weekend there is the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rinebeck NY. Everyone who knits is going to Rinebeck except me, bummer. Lately I am not into conventions or large gatherings of any kind. Perhaps I burnt out at the Polymer Clay convention back in 97, I dunno. Maybe it was all those years selling my jewelry at craft fairs in California or the Bead conventions in Santa Fe. But I am sure if I went to Rinebeck I would be blown away with the selection of yarns, vendors and of course sheep. Something I do get plenty of in New Zealand :)

Pilgrimage to Brooklyn General

While we are in NY for 4 months, my 6 year old son is not starting school here because he just finished Montessori school in New Zealand and the new school year starts in Feb there. Jasper is not very good with new things, so we decided he would stay home with me for the 4 months and I would get a babysitter 2 days a week so I can get some work done (and shopping). So yesterday on one of my babysitter days I was determined to check out another yarn shop. So far I have been a little underwhelmed when I visited Purl Soho (great yarns but too cramped and no room to play) and my local Knit-A-Way (decent selection but too blah and uninspiring). I really wanted to find a yarn store that would make me weak in the knees and inspire me to create (and part with my Visa). Well my good friends, I have found all these things and more at Brooklyn General in Red Hook.

I apologize for my crappy photos but my camera broke and I am left taking photos with my iphone until it is replaced. It is well worth noting that the Hodge Podge Farm Blog has better pictures that are worth checking out as the Brooklyn General website doesn't give you the real impression of the amazing fiber on display and the exquisite selection of fabrics and books.

I only had a limited amount of time in the shop but the super friendly gal behind the counter was all too helpful giving me a little tour of the yarns she is most fond of. Since I live in New Zealand which would you believe has the worst yarn stores in the world (don't get me started!), coming to Brooklyn General I felt like a pilgrim that finally reached the shrine. The store itself is just bursting with color and texture not only from the products but the old wooden shelving that was part of the original General Store it had been before the knitters moved in. The store stocks only high quality natural fiber yarns which are chosen by color, feel and apparently smell. I love that. I was completely overwhelmed with all the varieties of small batch kettle dyed wools, crazy felted yarn from Germany and luscious sock yarns, super bulky merino dyed in candy colors. I ended up buying 4 skeins of Malabrigio Chunky Merino in Paris Night which is a kettle dyed deep dark midnight blue with hints of deep purple throughout. Oh dear, I am in love with this yarn and have big plans to knit Emory a chill choker (now on the needles) and my Mom one of my Wellington Southerly Cowls for her birthday.

This weekend there is the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rinebeck NY. Everyone who knits is going to Rinebeck except me, bummer. Lately I am not into conventions or large gatherings of any kind. Perhaps I burnt out at the Polymer Clay convention back in 97, I dunno. Maybe it was all those years selling my jewelry at craft fairs in California or the Bead conventions in Santa Fe. But I am sure if I went to Rinebeck I would be blown away with the selection of yarns, vendors and of course sheep. Something I do get plenty of in New Zealand :)

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies in Stores

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies Cover, originally uploaded by hadleyfierlinger.

Today is the day that my book hits the stores! Vintage Knits for Modern Babies (Random House) is available wherever books are sold and on amazon.com.

Or, better yet head down to your local knitting shop and pick up a copy along with yarn to knit one of the 25 vintage inspired baby and toddler patterns included in the book. From caps, cardigans and mittens to bonnets, booties and blankets.

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies will be available in New Zealand, Australia and the UK and South Africa in coming weeks. More news coming soon!

You can get a signed copy of my book on my Etsy shop and I can ship overseas.

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies in Stores

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies Cover, originally uploaded by hadleyfierlinger.

Today is the day that my book hits the stores! Vintage Knits for Modern Babies (Random House) is available wherever books are sold and on amazon.com.

Or, better yet head down to your local knitting shop and pick up a copy along with yarn to knit one of the 25 vintage inspired baby and toddler patterns included in the book. From caps, cardigans and mittens to bonnets, booties and blankets.

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies will be available in New Zealand, Australia and the UK and South Africa in coming weeks. More news coming soon!

You can get a signed copy of my book on my Etsy shop and I can ship overseas.

Purl Soho

Purl Knitting Store, originally uploaded by hadleyfierlinger.

Sorry for such a long time between posts but I have moved myself and my family from New Zealand to Brooklyn NY for 4 months. We have finally found our feet and are enjoying all the thrills and ills that NY is famous for. Not much has changed in NY since I was last here 10 years ago. In fact, I am amazed how little ever changes here. In some ways I feel like the East Coast of the US is frozen in time and I have a hunch that people like it that way. Fashions come and go and people jump on board in one way or another until they have had enough and then they toss it aside like yesterdays news. The revival of Knitting was of those trends that got it's start in NY. In Manhattan alone there are at least 10 knitting stores and last week I went exploring in Soho to visit one of my favorites : Purl.

Wow, just walking up to the store front was a magical moment for me. I have always loved the color of the storefront and the beautiful details of the shop itself and in person there were so many more details to admire like the original mosaic tile floor and beautiful NY style details in the wood work and door frame. I was also surprised to see just how small the store is in person. There were 3 employees, and maybe 4 customers and there was nowhere to move! I felt a little overwhelmed by the selection of yarns and ended up not buying anything but planning on returning for a ball of the Jade Saphire 12 ply Cashmere ($42 a skein) as soon as I can think of a project that only needs one skein. That yarn is amazing! I think Purl is such a success because of the way the yarns are displayed like they are objects to be coveted. Each little cubby overflowing with rare gems glimmering and calling to you to admire them. It was hard to resist not pulling out all the skeins and rolling around on them which is what I really wanted to do.

After visiting Purl, I walked over to The Point Knitting Cafe which sadly has closed down. This was just the beginning of a trend that I am sensing : knitting has had it's day as a trend and is returning to it's roots as a craft with longevity. Knitting is not a flash in the pan trend, it is a life long journey in which your skills improve as you work to create useful and beautiful garments that are treasures. Ok, maybe we will see a few less ipod coseys around the hood but the rest of us will keep knitting weather it be only sometimes. And, we need good knitting stores to make our projects sing!

On the subway ride home, I noticed a middle aged woman who brought our her crochet and began to work some rows on a egg yellow acrylic baby sweater. I have never understood why people use acrylic when they are going to the trouble to knit something with their blood, sweat and tears shouldn't it be a work of art made of beautiful yarn?

Purl Soho

Purl Knitting Store, originally uploaded by hadleyfierlinger.

Sorry for such a long time between posts but I have moved myself and my family from New Zealand to Brooklyn NY for 4 months. We have finally found our feet and are enjoying all the thrills and ills that NY is famous for. Not much has changed in NY since I was last here 10 years ago. In fact, I am amazed how little ever changes here. In some ways I feel like the East Coast of the US is frozen in time and I have a hunch that people like it that way. Fashions come and go and people jump on board in one way or another until they have had enough and then they toss it aside like yesterdays news. The revival of Knitting was of those trends that got it's start in NY. In Manhattan alone there are at least 10 knitting stores and last week I went exploring in Soho to visit one of my favorites : Purl.

Wow, just walking up to the store front was a magical moment for me. I have always loved the color of the storefront and the beautiful details of the shop itself and in person there were so many more details to admire like the original mosaic tile floor and beautiful NY style details in the wood work and door frame. I was also surprised to see just how small the store is in person. There were 3 employees, and maybe 4 customers and there was nowhere to move! I felt a little overwhelmed by the selection of yarns and ended up not buying anything but planning on returning for a ball of the Jade Saphire 12 ply Cashmere ($42 a skein) as soon as I can think of a project that only needs one skein. That yarn is amazing! I think Purl is such a success because of the way the yarns are displayed like they are objects to be coveted. Each little cubby overflowing with rare gems glimmering and calling to you to admire them. It was hard to resist not pulling out all the skeins and rolling around on them which is what I really wanted to do.

After visiting Purl, I walked over to The Point Knitting Cafe which sadly has closed down. This was just the beginning of a trend that I am sensing : knitting has had it's day as a trend and is returning to it's roots as a craft with longevity. Knitting is not a flash in the pan trend, it is a life long journey in which your skills improve as you work to create useful and beautiful garments that are treasures. Ok, maybe we will see a few less ipod coseys around the hood but the rest of us will keep knitting weather it be only sometimes. And, we need good knitting stores to make our projects sing!

On the subway ride home, I noticed a middle aged woman who brought our her crochet and began to work some rows on a egg yellow acrylic baby sweater. I have never understood why people use acrylic when they are going to the trouble to knit something with their blood, sweat and tears shouldn't it be a work of art made of beautiful yarn?

Coming to a town near you

Some exciting changes are happening around here as my family and I are coming to New York for 4 months this Fall! Come and meet me on my travels around New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco and Keep an eye out for new events to be added (let me know if you’d like me to visit your store or event.) I will have a few samples from Vintage Knits for Modern Babies on display as well as copies of my Shescrafty Baby Patterns available including my new Madamoiselle Beret and Baby Fingerless Mittens.

I am over the moon looking forward to checking out my favorite knitting shops and buying up lots of yarn I can't get easily in New Zealand. I would love to hear your favorite knitting spots so I don't miss anything!

I will be sure to post about my travels which begin on Sept 1.

Coming to a town near you

Some exciting changes are happening around here as my family and I are coming to New York for 4 months this Fall! Come and meet me on my travels around New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco and Keep an eye out for new events to be added (let me know if you’d like me to visit your store or event.) I will have a few samples from Vintage Knits for Modern Babies on display as well as copies of my Shescrafty Baby Patterns available including my new Madamoiselle Beret and Baby Fingerless Mittens.

I am over the moon looking forward to checking out my favorite knitting shops and buying up lots of yarn I can't get easily in New Zealand. I would love to hear your favorite knitting spots so I don't miss anything!

I will be sure to post about my travels which begin on Sept 1.

Mademoiselle Beret Knitting Pattern

One of my most popular patterns for children is now available for women...Voila La Mademoiselle Beret! Ready to download as a PDF at lulu.com


In my Etsy shop I sell the Petite Beret which is the girls version of this cap knit with New Zealand Merino wool in many different colors. This cap has been very popular in part because it is quite girly and sophisticated, very comfortable and because it's one-size-fits-all designs means kids can use it for 3-4 years without growing out of it. If you would like to knit The Petite Beret pattern, it is included in my upcoming book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. (see photo below)


Over the years I have knit this cap in a womens size for friends and family using RYC Cashsoft DK, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK, Sublime Angora Merino and my personal favorite Suri Merino in Twilight from Blue Sky Alpacas. Alpaca is one of my favorite fibers as it is very soft, lightweight and incredily warm making it a great choice for a winter hat. In New Zealand there isn't a lot of Alpaca around but I did get some Blue Sky Alpacas from South Seas Knitting to make this cap (see photo above). If you plan to knit this cap, don't be shy about using your favorite semi-worsted or DK weight yarn and play around with different colors and yarn weights for the adjustable i-cord. This is a very fun and versitile cap that fits all sizes making it a great gift. You can knit one for yourself, and one for a small person!



Inspired by my favorite little girls hat, La Petite Beret which will be in my upcoming book (fall 09) Vintage Knits for Modern Babies (available for pre order on Amazon.com)

Mademoiselle Beret Knitting Pattern

One of my most popular patterns for children is now available for women...Voila La Mademoiselle Beret! Ready to download as a PDF at lulu.com


In my Etsy shop I sell the Petite Beret which is the girls version of this cap knit with New Zealand Merino wool in many different colors. This cap has been very popular in part because it is quite girly and sophisticated, very comfortable and because it's one-size-fits-all designs means kids can use it for 3-4 years without growing out of it. If you would like to knit The Petite Beret pattern, it is included in my upcoming book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. (see photo below)


Over the years I have knit this cap in a womens size for friends and family using RYC Cashsoft DK, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK, Sublime Angora Merino and my personal favorite Suri Merino in Twilight from Blue Sky Alpacas. Alpaca is one of my favorite fibers as it is very soft, lightweight and incredily warm making it a great choice for a winter hat. In New Zealand there isn't a lot of Alpaca around but I did get some Blue Sky Alpacas from South Seas Knitting to make this cap (see photo above). If you plan to knit this cap, don't be shy about using your favorite semi-worsted or DK weight yarn and play around with different colors and yarn weights for the adjustable i-cord. This is a very fun and versitile cap that fits all sizes making it a great gift. You can knit one for yourself, and one for a small person!



Inspired by my favorite little girls hat, La Petite Beret which will be in my upcoming book (fall 09) Vintage Knits for Modern Babies (available for pre order on Amazon.com)

Cap with Kitty Ears Pattern

One of my favorite vintage patterns is from a beautiful Bernat Handicrafter booklet I picked up on Ebay. These Bernat booklets are filled with muted kodachrome colors and packed with classic designs, some of which are knit with a fairly chunky Bernat yarn. I wanted to knit up this wee Cap with Kitty Ears perfectly matched to the pale grey Zara Plus merino that was lonely in my stash. As I was knitting I came across many outdated terms and had to rip out my work about 3 times until I got it figured out. Once I got the pattern sorted it was really quick and easy to knit up and the yarn is so lovely and soft it makes the perfect quick baby gift. I wanted to share the pattern with you and so I have changed and updated it for modern knitters.

*I would love to see your versions of this cap so be sure to add photos of your finished cap to the Shescrafty Knits flickr group




Cap With Kitty Ears

Materials
2 50g balls of Zara Plus extra fine merino in Shade 27

Tapestry Needle

One Button

Crochet Hook for making button loop

Needle Size
One pair US 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles.

One pair US 8 (5mm) knitting needles.

Gauge

5 stitches per inch

Abbreviations
Pretty standard abbreiviations with the exception of KRL = Knit Right Loop. Insert right needle into right loop of stitch just below next stitch; place it onto left needle and knit it; then knit the stitch on needle. For video help click here.

Cap

Using US 5 (3.75mm) needles, CO 60 sts.

Work 8 rows in K1, P1 rib. Inc 1 st at end of last row. – 61 sts.

Change to 5mm (US 8) needles.

Row 1: K22, put a marker on needle, P1, K1 in moss stitch for 17 sts and put a marker on needle, K22 sts.

Row 2: P22, work next 17 sts in moss st, P22 sts. Keeping the 17 sts between markers in moss st and remaining sts in stocking stitch, work evenly until piece measures 2 ½ inches, ending with a WS row

Shape Ears

KRL = insert right needle into right loop of stitch just below next stitch; place it onto left needle and knit it; then knit the stitch on needle. For video help click here.

Row 1: knit to first stitch before next marker, KRL, k1, KRL, p1, work in moss stitch to 1 st before next marker, p1 tbl of next st in row below, k1, KRL, k1, k to end of row. – 1 st increased on each side of both markers.(move stitch markers to keep 17 sts moss stitch in center.

Row: P 24, work center 17 sts in moss st, P 24.

NOTE: all increases are made by knitting through back of loop of next st in row below, being sure to keep all increased sts in stocking st.

Row 3: *K to 1st st before next marker, inc 1 st on each side of marker, k1, work center 17 sts in moss stitch, inc one stitch on each side of next marker, k to end of row.

Row 4: P 26, work center 17 stitches in moss stitch, P26.

Keeping the center 17 sts in moss stitch and rem sts in st st, cont to inc 1 st on each side of each marker on every other row 8 times more, ending with a WS row.

Shape Back

At the beginning of each of the next 2 rows BO 42 sts. Continue in moss st on rem 17 sts until piece is same length as bound off edges. BO.

Neck Band

Using US 5 (3.75mm) needles, CO 15 sts for chin strap. On same needle with RSF, pick up 58 sts around lower edge of cap. K1, P1 in ribbing for 1 inch. BO.

Finishing

Sew back seams. Crochet a button loop at the end of chin strap. Sew button on chinstrap.

Cap with Kitty Ears Pattern

One of my favorite vintage patterns is from a beautiful Bernat Handicrafter booklet I picked up on Ebay. These Bernat booklets are filled with muted kodachrome colors and packed with classic designs, some of which are knit with a fairly chunky Bernat yarn. I wanted to knit up this wee Cap with Kitty Ears perfectly matched to the pale grey Zara Plus merino that was lonely in my stash. As I was knitting I came across many outdated terms and had to rip out my work about 3 times until I got it figured out. Once I got the pattern sorted it was really quick and easy to knit up and the yarn is so lovely and soft it makes the perfect quick baby gift. I wanted to share the pattern with you and so I have changed and updated it for modern knitters.

*I would love to see your versions of this cap so be sure to add photos of your finished cap to the Shescrafty Knits flickr group




Cap With Kitty Ears

Materials
2 50g balls of Zara Plus extra fine merino in Shade 27

Tapestry Needle

One Button

Crochet Hook for making button loop

Needle Size
One pair US 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles.

One pair US 8 (5mm) knitting needles.

Gauge

5 stitches per inch

Abbreviations
Pretty standard abbreiviations with the exception of KRL = Knit Right Loop. Insert right needle into right loop of stitch just below next stitch; place it onto left needle and knit it; then knit the stitch on needle. For video help click here.

Cap

Using US 5 (3.75mm) needles, CO 60 sts.

Work 8 rows in K1, P1 rib. Inc 1 st at end of last row. – 61 sts.

Change to 5mm (US 8) needles.

Row 1: K22, put a marker on needle, P1, K1 in moss stitch for 17 sts and put a marker on needle, K22 sts.

Row 2: P22, work next 17 sts in moss st, P22 sts. Keeping the 17 sts between markers in moss st and remaining sts in stocking stitch, work evenly until piece measures 2 ½ inches, ending with a WS row

Shape Ears

KRL = insert right needle into right loop of stitch just below next stitch; place it onto left needle and knit it; then knit the stitch on needle. For video help click here.

Row 1: knit to first stitch before next marker, KRL, k1, KRL, p1, work in moss stitch to 1 st before next marker, p1 tbl of next st in row below, k1, KRL, k1, k to end of row. – 1 st increased on each side of both markers.(move stitch markers to keep 17 sts moss stitch in center.

Row: P 24, work center 17 sts in moss st, P 24.

NOTE: all increases are made by knitting through back of loop of next st in row below, being sure to keep all increased sts in stocking st.

Row 3: *K to 1st st before next marker, inc 1 st on each side of marker, k1, work center 17 sts in moss stitch, inc one stitch on each side of next marker, k to end of row.

Row 4: P 26, work center 17 stitches in moss stitch, P26.

Keeping the center 17 sts in moss stitch and rem sts in st st, cont to inc 1 st on each side of each marker on every other row 8 times more, ending with a WS row.

Shape Back

At the beginning of each of the next 2 rows BO 42 sts. Continue in moss st on rem 17 sts until piece is same length as bound off edges. BO.

Neck Band

Using US 5 (3.75mm) needles, CO 15 sts for chin strap. On same needle with RSF, pick up 58 sts around lower edge of cap. K1, P1 in ribbing for 1 inch. BO.

Finishing

Sew back seams. Crochet a button loop at the end of chin strap. Sew button on chinstrap.

Knitted Tattoo for Mom

What better way to honor mom this year than by giving her a tattoo? Not a real tattoo silly, a knitted one! Download the FREE pattern for this little Winged Heart Tattoo at Jujube + Lolo, home of lovely knitting patterns by annypurls. Anny is such a talent and her designs always inspire me. I think there is just enough time for me to knit one of these softies before Mothers Day! Thanks for the free pattern Anny!