After I tick along for a while, doing my daily thing, I get a strong feeling that it’s time to put a bit of energy into something for someone else. I’ve done a number of charity knitting projects, including church angel tree items for children, premie blankets for the Ronald McDonald House, and various pieces for afghans for Afghans (www.afghansforafghans.com). The latter charity always asks for specific items, and they have instructions on their website as to allowable dimensions and materials. Currently there is a Mother’s Day drive requesting items for newborns- blankets, hats and socks. I had ignored the email requests for help as long as I could, and today I put down my sister’s sock and started knitting newborn hats. As per usual, I was making it up as I went along. All three hats below are knit flat and then seamed up the back. They could all be made with yarn leftovers. None of them took more than a good hour of knitting, and they are so adorable, if I must say so myself. Yes, I’m hinting. Take a look at the website and see if you’re feelin’ it. You might find yourself knitting newborn caps, too.
First cap:
Peruvian Cuzco from elann.com; 100% alpaca. The hat took a total of about 1 skein, but I used portions of two different colors, striped together. This yarn is a personal favorite. It has a lovely, soft, fuzzy halo around a sturdier core, and feels like it still has lanolin, softening your skin as you handle it. It is reminiscent of Karabella’s Brushed Alpaca, but Karabella’s runs over $14 per skein and is only a bit fluffier for the price.
Gauge is about 2 stitches per inch, and produces a 16-inch circumference cap.
Cast on 42 stitches (multiple of 7). I prefer the stretchiness of a long-tail cast on for hats, so that the bottom/brim edge is not tight.
Row 1 and all odd rows: (Knit 2, purl 1, knit 3, purl 1) repeat across row.
Row 2 and all even rows: (Knit 1, purl 3, knit 1, purl 2) repeat across row.
After 5 inches (approximately 18 rows), start decreases:
First decrease row: (Knit 2 together, purl 1, knit 3, purl 1) repeat across row. 36 stitches.
2: (Knit 1, purl 3, knit 1, purl 1) repeat across row.
3: (Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1, knit 2 together, purl 1) repeat across row. 30 stitches.
4: (Knit 1, purl 2, knit 1, purl 1) repeat across row.
5: (Knit 1, purl 1, knit 2, purl 1) repeat across row.
6: (Knit 1, purl 2, knit 1, purl 1) repeat across row.
7: (Knit 1, purl 1, knit 2 together, purl 1) repeat across row. 24 stitches.
8: (Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1, purl 1) repeat across row.
9: (Knit 2 together, purl 2 together) repeat across row. 12 stitches.
10-14: (Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1, purl 1) repeat across row.
Cut yarn at about 20 inches. Thread on yarn needle, then thread through each of the remaining 12 stitches. Pull tight, and sew the seam at the back of the hat. Weave in all loose ends.
Please excuse the last minute, poorly lit photography. I know I should be reported to the blog police.
Second cap:
Repeated above pattern with 28 stitches, produces 12-inch circumference cap.
and repeat across. Continue for 4 rows. Next, drop the purls on the right side rows and just knit across, continuing the wrong side (knit 2, purl 8). When cap is 3 inches long, begin stockinette stitch, knitting the right side and purling the wrong side. When cap is 4 and 1/4 to 4 and 1/2 inches long, begin decreases.
The other thing I did today was make a quick blueberry cobbler. The high school gardener who prepared my tomato pots and the friend who will keep my animal this week deserved a treat. That wasn’t all generosity. I had a serving, too.
Peace.
Filed under: AfricanAmerican, knitting, lupus | Tagged: afghans for Afghans, charity knitting, free knitting pattern, lupus, Peruvian Cuzco
