Trying to Slow Down

Okay, I am ready for life to slow down a bit. For someone who works at home, it doesn't seem like I have been home much. Between graduation parties, birthday gatherings, setting up for the Renaissance Fair, fixing computers, having to buy a new computer, holiday stuff, stop! How am I supposed to get any knitting done if I am gone all the time? The good news is this week should be a little more relaxing, although the next several weekends are already full. 


One of the highlights of the weekend was the graduation of two of my favorite young people, Becky and Sarah Suzuki. I met their parents at church when Deb was pregnant so I have had the pleasure of watching them grow up into beautiful, intelligent women preparing to leave for college in the fall. I will miss them greatly!

Becky and Sarah wearing hats from the Chris pattern

Spiral scarves from book Scarf Style

Lorne and Dane (my sons) have always thought of Deb and Steve Suzuki as some of the 'beloved adults' in their lives. My youngest son Dane is a classical guitarist today partly because of Steve. I love being part of a village raising kids!

Chris Hat

Simple is elegant! By using a yarn with beautiful muted stripes, this hat looks as fashionable on the city streets as it does on the ski slopes. (hey, I'm from Colorado--everything is judged by skiing).

This is a simple and fast slouchy hat to make, suitable for both men and women. There is only one size because it is done in a twisted rib which is very, very stretchy.  It takes three different sizes of circular needles to create the shaping, and the yarn is self-striping.

Instead of increasing stitches, we switch needles to larger and larger sizes, keeping the integrity of the ribbing while working up the hat. Then we use a sudden and dramatic decrease for the crown to add shaping to the slouch. 

MATERIALS:
1 skein Mini Mocha - 80% Merino Wool/20% Nylon 195 yds/50 gr ball
     Hat on model is Ice Wine; Caramel Latte on table

Size US 6 (4.0 mm) 16 inch circulars
Size US 8 (5.0 mm) 16 inch circulars
Size US 10 (6.0 mm) 16 inch circular
4 double pointed needles size US 10 (6.0 mm)
Yarn needle
Stitch marker

With size 6 needles, cast on 110 sts. Place marker and join. Work in twisted rib (k1 through back loop, p1) until piece measures 2”.

Switch to size 8 needles and continue in the twisted rib stitch for another 3”.

Switch to size 10 needles and continue for 4”, for a total of 9” from beginning

Crown: (switch to DPNs when necessary)

Rnd 1:  K2tog into the back loop across the row.

Rnd 2 and all even numbered rounds: Knit through back loop..

Rnd 3:  K2tog into the back loop to last stitch, K1.

Rnd 5:  K2tog into the back loop to last stitch, K1.

Rnd 7:  K2tog into the back loop to last stitch, K1.

Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Thread through the remaining stitches and secure tightly.  Weave in ends.