Matataki Design – Ink, Yarn & Beer

Arachne Mittens – Finished at Last!

I designed these mittens last winter, in February. I finally completed the pattern – it’s nice to have some time off to finish things! Also, I admit, sitting in front of the computer to learn photography software is quite a drag, and very frustrating . . . so I pulled out the needles, and have begun to knit again.

I wanted to have solid-colored thumbs on these mittens, and practice carrying long floats at the same time. It took a bit, and I learned, too, the need to randomize the stranding on the thumbs. When I didn’t, the yarn got stacked up in rows, and affected the final design. If you look closely at the picture, I did a boo-boo when I took the picture – you can see the thumb is rather puckered. The second mitten is much nicer.

The pattern is not too hard to follow, and but for beginners, the stranding may be a bit of a challenge. The carried yarn makes for warm mittens, and if you start now, you could have a pair for yourself – or a loved one! – in time for the December holidays. (Shameless plug, huh . . . )

If you are interested in buying the pattern, you can find them under “My Patterns” page, or find them here on Ravelry. Cost is $4.00.

Skep – A New Hat!

This hat is a simple mosaic stitch pattern, with texture created using purl stitches along with knit and slipped stitches. Although mosaic knitting looks complicated, it really is not. The fact is, each knitted round (or round with purl stitches) is done in only one color. The slipped stitches pull the contrasting color up from the row below. The biggest challenge in writing up this pattern was actually in translating the written pattern into a charted design.

Besides the mosaic pattern, the foundation round of the hat is done in i-cord, invented or unvented by Elizabeth Zimmermann. This creates an edge that is tidy, but a bit stretchy. The result is a hat with a snug edge which helps the hat hold its shape. From the initial i-cord cast on, the first round increases the stitch count, and thence the pattern commences. You can purchase pattern on Ravelry – follow the link here, or else click on the pattern listing under my “page” column.

Although I did not make the pattern available in different sizes, it would be easy to modify the pattern for a very large head or a child, simply by adding or subtracting repeats.

What is a “Skep”?

A skep is an old word for a beehive, made of coiled straw or grass, and shaped into a conical formation. In the New World, there were no honey bees, and so when the Europeans settled, they brought their bees with them. The shape and texture of this hat made me think of a skep – thus its name!

Unfortunately, our honey bee population is being challenged by viruses or some other horrible illness, and their number is dwindling. Add to this, they are mating with African bees, which are known to be very aggressive. Neither is a good thing.

A Bee Artist

I would like to refer you to a site I really enjoy, Pencil and Leaf, which is the blog of an artist who does wonderful drawings and painting of bees and flowers. Buzz over to see her fine work.

Man Sweater, a.k.a. Josh’s Cardigan

I’ve done a lot of swatches, and the fact is the yarn I have for Josh’s sweater is simply too weirdly plied to allow for any texture to come through when knit up. The end result is pretty awful – a lot of work and nothing to show for it. However, this does not mean this yarn is not worth knitting up – it really is beautiful, has a soft feel to it when washed, and so the design process will ultimately be very simple – but not without adventures. I may do diagonal slash pockets and saddle shoulders. That should keep me busy! Cast-on is done, and 1×1 ribbing is commenced. This will carry up the button bands as well, with stockinette in between.

Eyelet Rib Beret – Updated and Expanded!

At last, an updated version of the original Eyelet Rib Beret! A few changes and additions have been done. First, stitch count and directions for the original pattern have been updated, with advice to make the ribbing on smaller needles if it seems too big for your head. A second beret has been added, with new shaping to create a traditionally shaped beret, with decreases to allow for a more tidy fit if worn high on the head – maybe more like a tam, really. Thirdly, a slouch version of the traditional beret is included. And, hopefully, all mistakes have been caught – but I admit, I had a hard time reading my notes, and there could be errors. Ah, well. It’s still for free!

The original pattern used Lamb’s Pride by Brown Sheep, which is a rather heavy yarn. The new versions used Paton’s Classic Wool in Aran Tweed, and is knitted on size 6 and 7 needles. Truthfully, I like this version a lot better – not as baggy – but some people like the bagginess of the original beret, so I have kept it, along with these newer versions, all in the same pattern, which is now 7 pages instead of two. You may go to the Patterns page to download it.

Merry Christmas!

Eyelet Rib Beret, Revisited

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.