So, I was busy knitting a beanie for our November fundraiser and left it on the sofa for just 10 minutes while I grabbed a snack. Big mistake!
When I returned, one of the kitties had turned my project into a total mess, unraveling half of the beanie. It looked more like a cat web than a hat!
The other kitty played around, pouncing on the yarn like the best toy ever. They both looked so proud of their “artwork.”
Now my beanie has a fun story: “Handmade and cat-approved!"

Temu Yarn Beanie

Beanie with Crochet Rim

Pattern for Beanie with I-Cord Ribbon

Materials Needed
- Yarn: Medium weight (Worsted) yarn (approximately 100-150 yards)
- Needles: 
  - Circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles (size 8 US or as per gauge)
- Darning needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
 Gauge
- 4 inches = 16 stitches in stockinette stitch
 Pattern Instructions
 Part 1: Knit the Beanie
1. Cast On: 
   - Cast on 84 stitches (or the number based on your gauge for desired circumference).
   - Join in the round being careful not to twist.
2. Brim:
   - Ribbing: *(K1, P1) for 2-3 inches*.
3. Body of the Hat:
   - Switch to Stockinette Stitch: Knit every round until the beanie measures about 6-8 inches from the cast-on edge (or your desired length).
4. Crown Decrease:
   - Round 1: *(K10, K2tog)* repeat to end of round.
   - Round 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Round 3: *(K9, K2tog)* repeat to end of round.
   - Round 4: Knit all stitches.
   - ...Continue this pattern, decreasing the number of knit stitches before the K2tog every two rounds...
   - End Decrease When: You have around 8-10 stitches left.
5. Finishing the Hat:
   - Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches).
   - Use the darning needle to draw the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight.
   - Weave in all ends.
 Part 2: Create the I-Cord Ribbon
1. Cast On:
   - Cast on 3 stitches using the same yarn.
2. Knit the I-Cord: 
   - Knit the 3 stitches.
   - Slide the work back to the other end of the needle (do not turn).
   - Repeat until the i-cord is about 30-40 inches long (length can vary depending on your preference).
3. Bind Off: 
   - Bind off loosely and leave a long tail for sewing.
 Part 3: Attach the I-Cord
- Thread the i-cord through the top of the beanie, either weaving it around the brim or tying a bow on top.
 Completed Project
- You should now have a warm beanie complete with a nice i-cord ribbon!

Beanie using an I-cord technique!

This pattern combines I-cord construction with a simple beanie design:

Materials:

• Approximately 150-200 yards of worsted weight yarn (wool or acrylic blend recommended)
• US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needles (16" or 20" length)
• US Size 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) - for decreasing the crown
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle

Gauge:
Approximately 4.5 stitches and 6 rows per inch in stockinette stitch

Abbreviations:
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)

I-Cord Cast On:
1. Cast on 3 stitches using your preferred method.

2. \*Knit 3, slip the stitches back onto the left needle, repeat from \* until the I-cord is the desired length to fit around your head, minus about 2 inches for stretching. (Typically, around 20-22 inches for an adult).
3. Bind off all 3 stitches.

Picking Up Stitches:
1. With the right side facing you, carefully pick up and knit one stitch for each row along one edge of the I-cord. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Beanie Body:
1. Join to work in the round.
2. Knit every round until the beanie measures approximately 7-8 inches from the picked-up edge.

Crown Decreases:
1. Switch to DPNs when the circumference gets too small for the circular needle.
2. \*Knit 6, K2tog, repeat from \* to end of round.
3. Knit one round.
4. \*Knit 5, K2tog, repeat from \* to end of round.
5. Knit one round.
6. Continue decreasing in this manner, reducing the number of knit stitches between the K2tog decreases by one each time, until you have very few stitches left.

Finishing:

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
2. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the top of the beanie.
3. Secure the yarn on the inside of the beanie.
4. Weave in all loose ends.

Optional:
• Add a pom to the top of the beanie.
• Fold up the brim for a different look.

Important Notes:
• This pattern is a guideline, and you may need to adjust the number of stitches or rows to achieve the desired size and fit.
• Always check your gauge to ensure that your beanie will be the correct size.
• Feel free to experiment with different stitch patterns for the body of the beanie.

Happy knitting!

New Yarn Toy

 

A couple of weeks ago, I received Joann's coupon book, and in my shopping spirit, I thought I wanted to find something I liked rather than something I absolutely needed. However, my trip to Joann's was unsuccessful, or maybe I didn't look into every aisle. So, I decided to drive over to Michael's, hoping to find better luck there. I was under the impression they still accept coupons from other stores, but it turns out they only do price matching now.
While I was exploring the aisles at Michael's, I saw an umbrella yarn winder on the floor in front of a shelf. Magic moment—I remembered having so many yarn hanks sitting around waiting to be wound up! The thought of doing it by hand, wrapping each around a chair, sounded like a chore I wasn’t ready to spend time on just yet.
Since Michael's wouldn’t take my 50% coupon, I made my way back to Joann's, determined to find that yarn winder. What can I say? They had the exact same one as Michael's! Thanks to my coupons, I was able to snag it at 50% off since it wasn’t on sale. Since I had two coupons, I went back a day later and bought a second one, one for myself and one for a gift.
I brought my new find to our Knit and Crochet Circle on Wednesday, and we had a blast trying it out together. It was such a joy to share the moment with friends, and it feels good to have the perfect tool for winding my stash of yarn hanks.

Black Lace Purse

Pattern by Lisa Daehlin

Back in 2008, when Pilar and I opened All About Yarn in Azusa, I stumbled upon a beautiful pattern in a magazine that instantly caught my eye. It turned out that one of our clients loved it just as much as I did! At that time, we were building our reputation by creating custom knitting projects for our customers. One of my first orders was for a Lace Purse, which I crafted for a customer who came into the store, chose her yarn, and placed her order. Once I finished the purse, we proudly displayed it on our table for everyone to admire.

That experience sparked an idea: Why not turn this project into a knit-a-long for our Wednesday night and Saturday morning knitting groups? It was such a fun and exciting venture! 

We started the Lace Purse by knitting a circular lace mat and then picking up stitches around the doily. After completing the first mat, we started on a second one, sewed the bind-off edges together, lined it with fabric, and knitted a long handle to comfortably wear over the arm.

This project brought joy to those who participated and attracted many customers to our shop. It was a hit! We eventually expanded our offerings to include more knit-a-long classes, which became quite popular since the only requirement was to purchase the yarn from our store.

All About Yarn was the only independently owned yarn shop in Azusa and Covina at the time, and looking back on those early days in 2008 fills me with fond memories. It was a special time that truly shaped my journey in the yarn community.

Types of Natural Yarn

Here’s a description of various types of natural yarns, including their forms like hanks, skeins, and rolls, along with their characteristics:

Wool Yarn, often found in hanks or skeins, is warm, soft, and elastic. Perfect for cozy garments and accessories.

Cotton Yarn is available in skeins or balls. Its smooth, breathable properties make it perfect for summer projects like dishcloths and lightweight garments.

Linen Yarn, typically sold in hanks, is strong and durable, with a natural sheen. It is great for summer wear and home decor items.

Alpaca Yarn, commonly found in hanks or skeins, is luxuriously soft and warm, with a silky texture. It is excellent for scarves and blankets.

Bamboo Yarn is usually available in skeins. The texture is soft and drapey with a natural sheen. Good for lightweight garments and accessories.

Silk Yarn is often sold in hanks. Its characteristics are elegant and smooth, with a beautiful and warm feel to it. Ideal for special occasion garments and accessories.

All About Yarn Types

... and so many to choose from. Did you know that different yarn types can significantly impact your knitting and crochet projects in several ways?

Yarn comes in various weights (e.g., lace, fingering, worsted, bulky). The weight determines the thickness of the stitches and the overall drape of the finished piece. Heavier yarns create thicker, warmer items, while lighter yarns are better for delicate, airy projects.

Some yarns, like those blended with elastic fibers, have more stretch, making them great for fitted garments. Others, like cotton, have less elasticity, which can affect the shape and fit of the finished item.

Different yarn fibers absorb dye differently, affecting the vibrancy and depth of colors. Wool often absorbs dye more vividly than acrylic, leading to richer colors in knitted or crocheted items.

Yarn types also influence the durability and care requirements of the finished project. Synthetic yarns like acrylic are often more durable and easier to wash, while natural fibers like silk or alpaca may require more delicate handling.

Yarn types vary in texture, affecting the project's final feel. Wool yarn is warm and soft, ideal for cozy garments, while cotton yarn is smooth and breathable, suitable for summer items.

The type of yarn can also affect the cost of a project. Natural fibers tend to be more expensive than synthetic options, which can influence budget considerations for larger projects.

In summary, choosing the right yarn type is crucial for achieving the desired outcome in knitting and crochet projects. It affects the texture, appearance, durability, and overall success of the finished piece.

Simple Beanie Pattern Created by Copilot

Materials:
• Circular needle size 16 and set of 3 to 5 short needles
• Worsted weight yarn (approximately 100 grams)
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Instructions:
Cast on 80 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Ribbing:
Knit 1, Purl 1 (K1, P1) ribbing for 2 inches (about 5 cm).

Body:
Knit every stitch (stockinette stitch) until the beanie measures 6 inches (about 15 cm) from the cast-on edge.

Crown Shaping:
Round 1: (K8, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (72 stitches)
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: (K7, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (64 stitches)
Round 4: Knit all stitches.
Round 5: (K6, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (56 stitches)
Round 6: Knit all stitches.
Round 7: (K5, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)
Round 8: Knit all stitches.
Round 9: (K4, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (40 stitches)
Round 10: Knit all stitches.
Round 11: (K3, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (32 stitches)
Round 12: Knit all stitches.
Round 13: (K2, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
Round 14: Knit all stitches.
Round 15: (K1, K2tog) repeat from * to * around. (16 stitches)
Round 16: (K2tog) Repeat from * to * around. (8 stitches)

Finishing:
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 8 stitches and pull tight to close the top of the beanie. Weave in all loose ends securely using a tapestry needle to prevent them from unraveling.

Customization Options:
1. Color Changes: You can add stripes or color blocks by changing the yarn color at different points in the pattern. For example, you could switch colors every few inches or create a pattern with alternating colors.
2. Brim Style: Instead of the K1 P1 ribbing, you can try different ribbing styles like K2, P2, or a twisted rib for a unique look.
3. Pattern Stitches: Add texture to your beanie by incorporating pattern stitches like cables, seed stitches, or a simple lace pattern.
4. Pom-Pom: Attach a pom-pom to the top of the beanie for a fun and playful touch. You can make a pom-pom using leftover yarn or purchase a pre-made one.
5. Ear Flaps: For extra warmth, you can add ear flaps to your beanie. Knit two small triangles and attach them to the sides of the beanie.