Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Cute Little Cupcake Hat

Make this cute little hat for a special little someone...

Gauge
5.5 stitches = 1 inch

Materials
3 skeins Cotton Rich DK (brown, cream and red)
1 skein novelty yarn (if sprinkles are desired)
Size 6 16-inch circular needles and double pointed needle’s
Stitch marker
Clover 1” Pom-Pom Maker

Size
Newborn (about 14.5” finished head circumference)

Stitch Guide
Frosting Bobble = Using the knit-on cast-on, cast on 3 stitches. Immediately bind-off those same 3 stitches.
P2tog = Purl 2 together
2x2 ribbing = Knit 2, purl 2; repeat

Instructions
Knitting the Cupcake
Using brown yarn and circular needles, cast on 80 stitches. Place marker and join into the round, being careful that your stitches are not twisted. Work in 2x2 ribbing for 2 inches.

Knitting the Frosting
Change to cream and knit one round.
Next Round: *Purl 3, make a frosting bobble*; repeat between the asterisks until the end of the round.

Add the novelty yarn here, if sprinkles are desired. Continue to work in
reverse stockinette (purling every round) until hat measures 3 inches from the beginning, or desired length to crown.

Work decrease rounds as follows, changing to DPN’s when necessary:
Round 1: Purl 6, p2tog; repeat to the marker.
Round 2: Purl to the marker.
Round 3: Purl 5, p2tog; repeat to the marker.
Round 4: Purl to the marker.
Round 5: Purl 4, p2tog; repeat to the marker.
Round 6: Purl to the marker.
Round 7: Purl 3, p2tog; repeat to the marker.
Round 8: Purl to the marker.
Round 9: Purl 2, p2tog; repeat to the marker.
Round 10: Purl to the marker.
Round 11: Purl 1, p2tog; repeat to the marker.
Round 12: Purl to the marker.
Round 13: P2tog; repeat to the marker.

Cut yarn and thread onto a tapestry needle. Run the tapestry needle through the remaining stitches the same direction you would if you were knitting them. Pull tight and weave in ends.

Putting the Cherry on Top!
Using red yarn and Clover 1” Pom-Pom Maker, make a cherry for the top. When you attach the cherry, I suggest just tying it on with a bow on the inside, so you can remove it when you need to wash the hat.

Put on hat and enjoy!

Design by Cheri Clark, The Knit Wit ©2009

Summer Knit-A-Long at The Naked Sheep

I’ve received lots of positive feedback regarding doing some knit-a-longs this summer. Although only a couple specific sweater suggestions have been given…

One idea I received is to have 3 different sweaters to choose from, but not limit them to a certain month. Knitter A might choose to knit just one of the designs, and take all summer to do it…no problem! Knitter B might choose to knit two of the designs we’ve chosen…no problem! And Knitter C (you know who you are!!!) might just knit all 3 choices and be itching to start on a fourth before the end of August…no problem!

Let’s keep it informal and fun and as non-competitive as possible (although a little healthy competition is good for you, right?!)

We'll gather at The Naked Sheep Knit Shop every Saturday afternoon in June, July and August (anytime between 12 and 3pm).

So here are the sweater suggestions…

Imagine from the Spring Issue of Knitty.

Something Red from Knit and Tonic

Owls by Kate Davies (This is a free pattern on Ravelry)

You’ll receive a 15% discount if you purchase your yarn for the knit-a-long at The Naked Sheep.

Further comments and ideas are welcomed, and they can be left here. Not really interested in making any of these sweaters? Join us anyway with whatever sweater you're working on!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Let's Start A Knit-A-Long!

I’d like to do some knit-a-longs this summer on Saturdays at the shop, and I would really love your input on what you want to make.

I would like to focus on a different sweater each month (June-July-August). This will be an informal time to gather together, ask questions, get support (both technical and moral!) and just have fun together.

I’ll be offering a 15% discount if you purchase your yarn for the knit-a-long at The Naked Sheep.

Please leave your comments and ideas here. I'll let you know what we decide in the next newsletter!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Pink Angora Ripple

Finally finished! The bind-off took a bit longer than I anticipated.

This was such a great pattern to knit. Ripple, a free pattern on Knitty.

I used 2 skeins of Invernal from Aslan Trends in this super nummy pink.

The base of the scarf is basically entrelac, with a 2-tiered ruffle all around the edges. It was so fun to make, and the construction was so interesting. I'm going to teach the class this summer at The Naked Sheep Knit Shop. It will be on Wednesdays in July...check it out!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Ripple

From this...









To this...









To this...??? Check back tomorrow for the finished project photo!