Finished Union Long Beanie!

Last night, I finally finished my Union Long Beanie! I also found a very unique button in my mother's collection and used it to add a funky finish. The hat is the perfect length for covering my ears and keeping me warm around campus, without being too hot or sacrificing design. This photo shoot with my sister was at my grandparents' cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

Hats for Twin Boys

My mom and I knit a pair of brown and gold hats from Vintage Worsted on vacation. It is a simple pattern I designed based off a generic prototype. Vintage is a wonderful, machine-washable yarn with lovely colors that is easy to knit. It makes a great gift knitting yarn because it's machine washable, so a non-knitter can care for it easily.

Materials:
Vintage Worsted (217 yards/skein) 1 skein or other worsted weight yarn
circular or dpn US size 8

Note: One skein of Vintage Worsted can make two hats.

Cast on 70 stitches of circular needles. Place marker and join in round without twisting.
*Knit 1 round.
Purl 1 round.
Repeat from * 3 times

Knit in stockinette stitch (knitting all stitches, each round) for 3.5 inches.

Begin decreases:
*K8, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
Knit all stitches.
*K7, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
Knit all stitches.
*K6, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
Knit all stitches.
*K5, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
*K4, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
*K3, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
*K2, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
*K1, K2tog, repeat from star across round.
*K2tog, repeat from star across round.

Cut yarn, leaving a 10 inch tail, thread tail through remaining 7 stitches. Pull hole closed. Weave tails in.

Congratulations! You now have a toddler sized cap with a garter stitch brim. If you have any questions, leave a comment!

Happy Knitting!

Seaside Knitting

I am visiting my aunt, uncle, and cousins in Rhode Island. We’re enjoying the gorgeous seaside and parks. I also got to visit a lovely yarn shop called Unwind (http://www.unwindri.com/). There, we found a skein of Berroco Vintage, a multi with sand, brown, and two different shades of gray-blue. I’m almost finished a “In Threes Baby Cardigan” by Kelly Herdrich. The pattern is simple and quick because it uses a worsted weight yarn. I almost completed the smallest size baby sweater (minus three rows) and ran out, so I’ll pick up another skein in a few days. It also went by quickly because I’m using a multi, so I get to watch the colors change. I’m on the lookout for seaside-themed buttons, either anchors or boats. I highly recommend this pattern! I’ll probably be knitting another one this week. It only took me one day!

I cranked out a baby hat with a sock yarn that’s a cotton and nylon blend. I’m working on a second hat, which is fun, because the self-striping is working out differently for the second hat.

I also finished another seaside colored hat, made from a 100% bamboo yarn in an aqua/green color from the baby hat pattern in "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts."

I’m happily knitting along at the RI seaside, enjoying the cool breeze, but mostly keeping out of the icy water after the token swim.

We've gone kayaking and horseback riding, both things I haven't done before. I had a blast! Getting off the horse after our trail ride was a bit interesting. I was hanging on to the pommel, sliding down, and my feet just kept going. I didn't realize how huge my horse was! Standing on the ground, I think his shoulder was taller than my head.

What are your favorite seaside or summer projects? Are there any particular “vacation knitting” patterns that you love? Please post your thoughts in the comments below. Happy Knitting!