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.
Yesterday was a sunny day, I had some Cascade 220 lying around, I didn’t want to think too much, and I had a delicious book to listen to, and it all worked out together.
For quite some time I have been eyeing the Sanquhar knitting patterns, which are attractive geometric designs with contrasting colors. I chose the traditional white and black (mine is really a cream and dark charcoal grey). I imagine these designs could be quite stunning in all sorts of colors. From the time I sat down with my needles, to the time I finished this hat, was about 5 hours. I was amazed at how quickly 110 stitches knit up, and how easy it was to memorize the pattern once it was set up. The pattern used for this hat is called the “Duke” pattern, which is very pleasing to the eye.
If you are interested in learning a bit about Sanquhar knitting, you may visit the Future Museum, which has a wonderful collection of different samples of Sanquhar patterned clothing. If you would like to read about making gloves using the pattern used in Winter’s Night, take a look at tata-tatao.
I guess I can focus again. Yesterday I made a hat. And my husband looks great in it!
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.
It’s been a bit of time since my last post. I’ve been caught up in launching my students into the clinical world – like kids off to college or moving out – there is a bit of the empty nest. Simultaneously, there is room now to organize things and do things which have been put off. And to apply for jobs as who knows what will happen on the 15th. I’ve also passed the CBEST, with 204 out of 240 total points possible – about an 85% average, I guess. So, things can be added to the old credential. Back up plan taking shape.
Meanwhile, I have been looking at all my projects, and the fact is, I’m in a very scattered mood. Inventory of WIPs and UFOs shows the following:
And this Saturday, I finally get to go to the first Chinese painting class in probably five months. As this is the Year of the Tiger, Teacher will demonstrate this painting.
And I still have some palm trees to consider.
Decisions Made!
I thought about this beret a bit, and did a little research on shapes of berets and tams, and decided that I could continue on straight along on 240 stitches. I also transferred the stitches to a longer needle – I think it is a 36″ one – forgot to measure it before transferring the stitches – and the hat fits very nicely on it. The plan is to continue until there are at least 7 pattern repeats – about 35 rounds – before considering decreasing toward the brim. This choice will be dependent on the diameter of the hat at this point, or the distance of the radius, which would be measured from the base of the tab.
Truth Time
And now for a confession: I am using size 6 needles! Not 8s like I originally posted.
Final Rounds Before Decreasing
This is the pattern I plan to follow, beginning with the last increase round, which is rnd 19.
| Rnd 18: | *k2, p2* to end | 192 |
| Rnd 19: | *k1, yo, k1, p2* to end | 240 |
| Rnd 20: | *k3, p2* to end | 240 |
| Rnd 21: | *K3, p2* to end | 240 |
| Rnd 22: | *MCCO, m1 purlwise, p2* to end
Note: This is to keep the stitch count the same. If you did *MCCO, p2* to the end, the result would be 192 stitches.
|
240 |
| Rnd 23: | *k2, p3* to end | 240 |
| Rnd 24: | *k1, yo, k1, p1, p2 tog* to end
Note: The p2tog is at the end of the purl section, in the idea that it will balance out the decreases 2 rnds previous
|
240 |
| Rnd 25: | *k3, p2* to end | 240 |
| Rnd 26: | *k3, p2* to end | 240 |
| Rnd 27: | *MCCO, m1 purlwise, p2* to end | 240 |
From this point on, rnds 23 through 27 will be repeated.
Purlwise Increases
From the point I began doing the purlwise increases, I have stayed with the purl increases being done in the stitch below. How I approach this increase depends on whether the stitch on the left needle is a purl or knit stitch.
To do them, on a purl stitch, I just stick the needle into the front “pearl” under the live stitch. The needle looks like you are ready to knit. Take the left hand needle and tuck it into the front of the stitch on the right needle, and remove the right hand needle. The stitch is now twisted properly. Purl it like you would a normal purl stitch.
The ones done next to knit stitches I go in from the back into the loop on the right side of the knit stitch with the right needle, and lift the stitch directly onto the left needle with the right. The right hand needle should be in the purl position. Purl the stitch. If your next stitch is a purl, continue on; if the next stitch is a knit, bring yarn to back of needle, and knit the next stitch.
Doing your purl increases prevents holes from magically appearing in your work.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 