A lot of people have downloaded the eyelet rib beret, and some have experienced some problems with it being much, much too big, especially in the ribbing area of the brim. Even though this beret is designed to be huge – for those of us with “big hair” – others seem to like the idea of a less humungous hat! Given that, I thought I would re-do the pattern a bit for worsted weight wool and slightly different shaping, as well as directions for a less baggy beret. Look for it in the next few days.
Tag: beret
Project Inventory
Today is nearing the end of the spring break. The weather has been wonderful, with a day of rain to clear the air, and sunny days with wind and fair skies. The trees are budding into leaf, the birds are making love songs, and the squirrels, well, are going nuts.
And in the middle of all this, I have managed to get a grip on things, meet up with people for lunch, read a bit, knit, and think about (but not do) some gardening. I have a fig tree and plum tree which need attention, a vine to move, and so on. And a lot of knitting projects. When I have time to play, I like to begin things. But do they get done?
Owls
All I need to do is sew on the buttons – but I made a mistake in the darts so, rip it or not? This is a pattern by Kate Davies at Needled.
Buttoned Cardigan
Only a few inches left on the sleeve and I am done. What’s taking me so long? This is a cardigan by Eva Weichmann, owner of Eva’s Needlework in Thousand Oaks, CA, which I’ve mentioned before.
Top Down Beret from Hell
I’m beginning the decreasing toward the brim . . . not soon enough!
Hat in Design Mode
I found an issue here – bobble placement. Back to the drawing board.
Golden Autumn by Lucy Sweetland
Just a gorgeous hat, but I got sidetracked. Lucy is one of my favorite designers and photographers.
Gloves
One hand down, another to go.
Mittens in Design Mode
Out of my Cascade 220 stash.
The Relentless Scarf
So boring I can’t stand it.
Socks
Lots of socks. Too many. And this is not all the inventory, either.
Socks to be Ripped
The yarn is from Riihivilla in Finland, naturally dyed with cochineal and indigo. I’ve decided that the yarn is too pretty to hide on my feet, so now all this is sitting on my desk while I reconsider how to use the yarn to show it off.
Victorian Lace Shawl
Nearly done. It’s been sitting on a shelf for two years. I don’t know what is taking me so long, but I think it will get finished pretty soon. It is a beautiful yarn, perfect for the pattern, and the colors have a lovely iridescence.
What’s a girl to do?
Top Down Beret, vi
I finally found my 40″ circular needles, and transferred this never-ending beret to them. Spread out, this is an ugly item! Too much open space between verticals and cables. Too many stitches. Way too big even for the 40-inchers! Maybe I’ll felt it.
Despite that, the progress has been educational. I think my original pattern with a lot of cables would be far more interesting to look at, though admittedly I am rather tired of them right now.
Basic Beret: Creating a Top-Down Beret, v
For the last couple of weeks knitting has wandered in and out of my day, along with my sourpuss attitude. This latter has, I hope, been vanquished, even if temporarily.
I’ve been really frustrated by this pattern, so decided to try it from the bottom up. And, it began to make sense. The pattern has changed rather considerably, but the lacy mock cable and top down construction remain. I’m not doing as many cables – considerably less. Where I had planned a number of cables, I am now using simple a line of knit stitches on a purl background. All knit stitches are now knit through the back loop except for a couple, which will be seen in the pattern.
The most interesting element is just how much simpler the pattern is, and so much easier to knit as it grows more organically once a certain level is reached in the stitch increases.
Been Busy!
Saturday afternoon it was time to get to cleaning up after all the preparations for the Christmas holiday. There were stacks of yarn all over the place, falling off shelves, jumping out of strange corners.
In a true moment of disgust, I pulled in some plastic storage boxes, rummaged through forgotten stash, and threw out some yarn I couldn’t stand, and sorted out some to give to my mother-in-law. Finally, I divided out heavier weight yarns, lighter weight yarns, and UFOs into three containers.
Mission accomplished, I found knitting accessories, needles, and all sorts of things. Organized for a little while! (Some is already escaping . . .)
And, needing some mindless knitting, I pulled out the last of the Lamb’s Pride, and voila, a beret! This will be sent along to Judy (MIL) with some sock yarn I don’t like, but she does. And for the viewing public, I present you with the
Eyelet Rib Beret
This is a very simple eyelet rib pattern, with a total of 7 stitches and 4 rows. The ribbed quality of the beret makes the hat keep its shape, despite the high number of stitches. This hat will stretch out, so if your hair is a mess and you are just knotting it up to hide it, this beret should be able to handle it.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 