purpyle...

the big purple design question has finally been answered...

my son's purple sweater will be a v-neck cardigan with set-in sleeves, black 1x1 rib trim, zip-front, and black argyles...

and the occasional white argyle thrown in just because...

a hip-cool variation of a classic

purpyle...

a beret for baby...

goodness...the time does fly...

...computer problems continue on this end, but I will not let that stop me from offering the promised pattern for a baby beret!

this beret is simple, simple, simple...as easy as a cap and ever so jaunty and fun...it is also very stretchy, and will fit baby for quite a while...

these little pink hats were made with rowan pure wool 4-ply, (bought locally at  mendocino yarn shop), a super wash wool that is lovely to work with and which just happens to be the perfect yarn...in my opinion...to use for knitted baby gifts that you just know are going to end up in the washer...

a beret for baby...

you'll need:

1- skein Rowan Pure Wool 4-ply (or similar wool)
1- 12" 3.25 mm circular (optional)
1- set 3.25 mm double pointed  needles (dpn's)
1- darning needles

gauge:


6 stitches per inch over stockinette, blocked


make 1:   Insert the tip of the right hand needle into the strand (between the stitch just knit and the first stitch on the left needles) from front to back. Transfer this strand to the left hand needle. Knit into the back of this strand on the left needle and remove as usual


directions:

directions are for infant (0-3mo) and baby (3-12mo)...the bands measure about 10" and 12", unstretched, but they stretch quite a bit!


Cast on 88 (96) stitches and join in the round (careful--don't twist your work!)  Work in 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) for about 1.5 inches (or more, if you like--twice that, if you wish to be able to turn it up). 

When you are finished with your ribbing, increase your stitches by another 50%, thus:
Knit 2, make 1 (see above) all the way around.  You should now have 132 (144) stitches.  Knit around and around on these stitches until your work measures about 3.5 (4.25) inches.  Now begin to shape the hat by decreasing 6 stitches, evenly, every other row:

1st decrease round:  K20 (22), K2tog to end of round--126 (138) stitches remain.
2nd (and all even rounds): Knit
3rd decrease round:  K19 (21), K2tog to end of round--120 (132) stitches remain.

Continue decreasing, in this way, until 72 stitches remain, change to dpn's if using the circular, then decrease six stitches EVERY row until three stitches remain (decreasing this quickly creates the flat top).  Knit these three stitches as i-cord for a few rounds (more if you wish to knot it).  Break yarn, pull through the stitches and through the cord to the inside of the hat.  Weave in ends and wet block, shaping the beret flat, as shown below (block on a smooth porcelain plate if you have one the right size--this creates a really nice, smooth beret).  Add flowers at the brim, if desired...

et voilà!

if you use this pattern, please consider making a contribution to save the children or any japanese earthquake relief organization of your choice...



happy knitting! 

questions?  i am glad to help...
and please let me know if you find an error! 

follow along on facebook!

the banishment...

                                   
need a laugh? 

(who doesn't?)

then do check out today's post on franklin habit's blog, the panopticon...

i love it!!!

 

alas...

computer issues are preventing me from posting easily...

hopefully the problems will be resolved soon...

anyway...

my next post will include a

free hat pattern

...beret anyone?



an heirloom...

rilke's first sweater...

knit twenty-four years ago by my mother...

worn by each of my babies...

 it is a beloved heirloom made of wool and silk and dear, dear memories...

happy birthday, rilke...

strangely inspiring...

intriguing texture and form...

 can be found in unexpected places...

 inspiring and delighting...

but what is it?  any guesses?