Knitting!: Fur Trader's Toque

Here is a hat pattern that I created, inspired by the Hudson's Bay and fur traders. I live in a small town that was established by the fur trade over 200 years ago and this hat is a throwback to those times.
This hat is knit flat, but can easily be knit in the round if that is what you like best.

Fur Trader's Toque

Yarn: I used Patons Canadiana (how fitting!), since it is itch-free.

Main colour (mc) 10006 Winter White

Contrast Colour 1(cc1) 10110 Navy

CC2 10610 Fool's Gold (I actually ended up switching this colour out for a no-name yarn that was a lighter colour yellow-this one was almost mustard)

CC3 10707 Cardinal

CC4 10708 Leap Frog

Needles: 4.5mm straight needles

Gauge: 9st = 2inches in stockinette st

Measurement: 22inch circumference

Abbreviations:

cc1-contrast colour 1

cc2-contrast colour 2

cc3-contrast colour 3

cc4-contrast colour 4

k-knit

k2tog-knit two together

mc-main colour

p-purl

st-stitches

Cast on 78st in mc.

*K3, p3* repeat to end. Continue in k3, p3 ribbing pattern until hat measures 1.5" from start (around 8 rows).

Switch to cc1 (navy) and work 0.5" in stockinette st. (roughly 3 rows). 

Switch to mc and work 0.5" in stockinette st. (roughly 3 rows). 

Switch to cc2 (yellow) and work 0.5" in stockinette st. (roughly 3 rows). 

Switch to mc and work 0.5" in stockinette st. (roughly 3 rows). 

Switch to cc3 (red) and work 0.5" in stockinette st. (roughly 3 rows). 

Switch to mc and work 0.5" in stockinette st. (roughly 3 rows). 

Switch to cc4 (green) and work 0.5" in stockinette st. (roughly 3 rows). 

Switch to mc and work a further 2" in stockinette st.

Decreasing:

Row 1:*k5, k2tog* from end to end

row 2: p

row 3:*k4, k2tog* from end to end

row 4: p

row 5:*k3, k2tog* from end to end

row 6: p

row 7:*k2, k2tog* from end to end

row 8: p

row 9:*k1, k2tog* from end to end

row 10: p

row 11:*k2tog* from end to end

There should be 11st remaining. Break off yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through the remaining loops (pulling them off the needle) and pull tightly in a circle. Fasten. Sew up side, weave in ends. Make a pompom for the top and sew in place. Tada! 

Let me know if you find any mistakes or if you have any questions. I'd love to see your finished toques, so add me on ravelry: honeynutbrown. 

Knitting!: My Year in Temperatures -Scarf-

This is a conceptual knitting pattern that will look different for everyone who knits it.  In this pattern, you record the day's highest temperature by knitting one row in the colour designated for each temperature. At the end of the year, you will have a visual colourful graph of the temperatures of your area for a whole year.

 Start by casting on 35 stitches in white and knit 5 rows, working in garter stitch. After that, knit one row a day, in the colour you have chosen to represent your temperature groupings.

 Knit two rows in white at the start of each month, if you would like to keep track of the separate months.

At the end of the year, knit another 5 rows in white. Bind off, weave in ends, and you are done! I think this would also look nice in a monochromatic colour scheme. Hmmm, something to try next year? I am excited to see how mine turns out!

Nutbrown Gnome Hat

Last night I knit Kesten a little hat using my pattern here. Instead of a Forest Pixie Hat, I'll call it a Nutbrown Gnome Hat. Instead of knitting a chin strap, I knit two cords to tie under the chin. Pretty Cute!

Knitting! A Northern Autumn Hat

This hat is a quick knit and is perfect for beginners and those who are too intimidated to knit in the round. It is knit on straight needles and can be embellished in any number of ways to express your unique personality.

Northern Autumn Hat

Yarn: Lion Brand WoolEase Thick&Quick in Barley (chunky sized wool)
Needles: 6mm Straight needles
Measurements: This hat has a circumference of 22 inches
Gauge: 5st and 8 rows = 2inches in stockinette stitch

Notions: a large button and a pom pom (both optional)

Abbreviations:

k-knit

k2tog-knit two together

p-purl

p2tog-purl two together

st-stitches

Cast on 56st on your 6mm straight needles.

First row: k1, p1, repeat to end
second row: k1, p1, repeat to end

Repeat these two rows 7 more times, ending on a wrong side row.
Next row: Begin to knit in stockinette stitch. Continue in stockinette stitch until hat measures 8 inches from the beginning.
Decreasing:
First row: k6, k2tog, repeat to end
Second row: purl
Third row: k5, k2tog, repeat to end
Fourth row: purl
Fifth row: k4, k2tog, repeat to end
Sixth row: purl
Seventh row: k3, k2tog, repeat to end
Eight row: purl
Ninth row: k2, k2tog, repeat to end
Tenth row: p2tog, p1, repeat to end
Eleventh row: k2tog, repeat to end
Twelfth row: p2tog, p2tog, p2tog, p1

Cut yarn leaving a 6 inch tail. Weave end of yarn through the remaining four loops on your needle, pull  loops off needle, pulling them tightly together and secure the end of your yarn. Sew up the sides of the hat, making sure that the first 2 inches or so of the ribbing is sewn with the right sides together, so that any seam will be hidden when the ribbing is folded over. Add a button and/or pom pom if desired. And have fun wearing this cozy hat!

Knitting! Woodland Fox Baby

* New! There is now a Norwegian translation, thanks to MereteIsabell from Ravelry. Click here for the link.*

 Time for a new knitting pattern! This one I designed for my little boy's Halloween costume. Since we have a lot of foxes in the Fort, I thought it would be cute if he dressed like one. I only have one size available for the hat, if you require a bigger size, you could always use any other plain hat pattern and then attach the ears on top.

 Woodland Fox Baby Hat

Yarn:

Main colour (mc): Bernat Softee Chunky in Pumpkin

Contrast Colour 1 (cc1): Patons Shetland Chunky in Charcoal

Contrast Colour 2 (cc2): Patons Shetland Chunky in White

Needles:

5mm double pointed needles (dpn's) and 5mm straight needles

Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rows = 2inches

Measurement:

circumference 16-18 inches (My baby is 1.5 months and it is very loose on him. He will have lots of room to grow into it)

Abbreviations:

cc1-contrast colour 1

cc2-contrast colour 2

dpn's-double pointed needles

k-knit

k2tog-knit two together

k1f&b-knit one front and back

mc-main colour

p-purl

p2tog-purl two together

ssk-slip slip knit

st-stitches

 Hat Pattern:

With main colour, cast on 48 st on dpn's. Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

row 1: k1, p1 around

Continue for 3 more rows.

Next row: k around and repeat until hat measures 3.5inches from the start.

next row: k6, k2tog, repeat around circle

next row: k around

next row:k5, k2tog, repeat around circle

next row: k around

next row: k4, k2tog, repeat around circle

next row: k around

next row: k3, k2tog, repeat around circle

next row: k2, k2tog, repeat around circle

next row: k1, k2tog, repeat around circle

next row: k2tog, repeat around circle

last row: k2tog, repeat around circle. Cut yarn, weave through remaining 3 stitches, pull tight, bind off and weave in ends.

 Outer Ear Pattern:

With mc on 5mm straight needles cast on 10st, leaving a long tail (for sewing later)

Row 1: k

Row 2: p

Repeat rows 1 and 2, two more times.

Row 7: k1,ssk, k4, k2tog, k1

Row 8: p

Row 9: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1

Row10: p

Row 11: Switch to contrast colour 1 (charcoal), k1, ssk, k2tog, k1

Row 12: p

Row 13: ssk, k2tog

Row 14: p

Row 15: k2tog, bind off, weave in ends, except for long tail at the base (use it to sew ear onto the hat.)

Inner Ear:

With cc2 (white), cast on 8st on 5mm straight needles, leaving a long tail (for sewing later).

Row 1: k

Row 2: p

Repeat the first 2 rows  1 more time.

Row 5: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1

Row 6: p

Row 7: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1

Row 8: p

Row 9: ssk, k2tog

Row 10: p2tog. Bind off, weave in top end and use long tail at the base to sew the inner ear onto the outer ear in the center, being careful to only sew through the top knitted loops on the the outer year so that no white stitches show through on the back of the ear.

Make two ears and then sew to the top of the hat.

Tail Pattern:

With dpn's and mc, cast on 6 st. Join in the round.

k 3 rows.

Next row: k1, k1f&b, around the circle

Next row: k

Repeat these two rows three more times (28st on needles)

Next row: k. Continue to knit in the round until tail measures 7inches from the start.

Switch to cc2 (white). Knit in the round until work measures 9 inches from the start. Stuff with polyester stuffing as you go.

Next row: k1, k2tog, around the circle until there is one stitch in that row, k1.

Next row: k

Repeat these last 2 rows two more times.

Next row: k1, k2tog, around the circle 

Next row: k2tog around circle. Bind off, weave in ends. Sew or pin tail onto pants.

Also check out my pattern for the Woodland Stag/Deer Baby!

And that's it! Please let me know if you find any errors in the pattern and if you have any suggestions. I also love to hear from people who made the pattern and enjoyed it. Please check out my other patterns on my blog and add me on raverly :honeynutbrown.

Knitting! Hoot the Owl Toque Pattern

My newborn nephew models the hat!

This is a new pattern that I developed for my 2-and-a-half-year old nephew, and liked it so much I made it for my newborn nephew and my 7 month niece! This pattern includes both knitting and crochet, although you could easily forgo the crochet part and make the eyes and beak out of felt instead. Make sure you measure your child's head circumference and choose the size that fits closest. I do not have a child at home to measure the sizes by, and every child has a very different sized head. Use the gauge to determine if you need to add or subtract a few stitches to make the hat fit your child better.

Yarn: I used a chunky weight yarn in brown tweed for the main part of the hat (unfortunately it is a thrift store find, so I don't know the name or amount, but each size hat uses less than an average sized skein). I also used a small amount of chunky weight yarn in black, white, and orange for the eyes and beak.

Needles and hooks: The main body of the hat is knit using 5mm double pointed needles or circular needles. The crocheted eyes and beak use 5mm (H/8) hook.

Gauge: 3st = 1inch in stockinette stitch

Sizes: Small [newborn to 5 months, roughly 15 inch head circumference], (Medium [6 months to a year, 16-17inches], Large [a year to 2 years, 17-19 inches]). The sizes will be written in the pattern as follows: S(M, L).

Abbreviations:

ch: chain

dec: decrease (for crochet)

dpns: double pointed needles

k: knit

k2tog: Knit two stitches together

p: purl

sc: single crochet

ssk: slip, slip, knit (individually slip 2 stitches knitwise and knit them together)

st: stitch

Pattern:

Hat:

With 5mm dpns or circular needles, cast on 40st(50, 58) in brown yarn and join in the round, being careful not to twist work.

Row1: knit 1, purl 1 around. Continue in k1 x p1 ribbing pattern until work measures 1"(1.5", 1.5")

Next row: Knit all stitches in the round until work measures 5.5"(5.75", 6.25") from beginning. Bind off.

Sew a straight seam along the top of the hat on the right side (a slip stitch crochet seam gives a nice firm seam that will help the "ears" stand up). See the diagram at the bottom.

Ear Flaps:

Rejoin the brown yarn roughly 0.5" from the side edge of the front of the hat.

Row 1: Using 5mm needles, pick up and knit 10 stitches.

Row 2 and all even rows: purl all stitches

Row 3: knit all stitches

Row 5: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1

Row 7:k1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1

Row 9: k1, k2tog, ssk, k1

Row 10: purl all stitches, bind off.

Weave in 9 long strands of yarn in the bound-off edge, braid them, and tie them off in a knot and trim ends to form a tassel.

Attach a second earflap in the same position on the opposite side of the hat (making sure that the knit side is on the right side of the hat), following the pattern in the same way. (The ear flaps should be closer together in the back than in the front of the hat). See the diagram at the bottom.

Weave in all ends of the hat.

Crochet

Remember, if you don't know how to do crochet, you can always make the eyes and beak out of felt and sew them on.

Eyes:

Using a 5 mm crochet hook, ch 3 in black yarn and join in a circle using a slip stitch.

Row 1: Work 7 sc into the ring

Row 2: Switch to white yarn. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each row. Work *one sc into the first sc, work 2 sc into the next sc*. Continue to work from * to * around the circle until you have completed a total of 3 rows in white. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the eye onto the hat, weaving in the other ends.

Repeat to make the second eye.

Beak:

Using a 5mm crochet hook and orange yarn, ch6

Row 1: Work 5 sc (starting in the second chain from hook)

Row 2:ch1, turn. Dec 1 stitch, sc in nect sc, dec 1 stitch.

Row 3: ch1, turn. Dec 1 stitch, sc in next sc.

Row 4: ch 1, turn. Dec 1. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew beak onto hat. Weave in the other end.

Finishing:

Position eyes and beak where you want them on the front of the hat and sew them on using a finishing needle, weaving in any extra ends. See the diagram below.

(Click on the image to make it larger)

I hope you enjoy it! If you notice any mistakes or if you have any suggestions, please please let me know!!!

Knitting! Gingham Cell Phone Cover

Well, I never had a cell phone. Not until we moved here did we buy one. We still don't use it, except for emergencies. But we were concerned that it was getting scratched, so a cover I made.

Gingham Cell Phone Cover

Gauge: 6 st = 1 inch in stockinette on 4.5mm needles.

Yarn: Red, white, and pink yarn, fingering weight.

Cast on 30 stitches in white. Follow the colour pattern provided in stockinette stitch for 21 rows, repeating the pattern to fit the length and width of the piece. The piece should measure around 5" tall, and 6" wide. Bind off in white. Weave in ends. With right sides facing, fold the rectangle in half width-wise, leaving a half inch lip. Sew the two sides up, and finish the exposed openings in a blanket stitch.

Make the straps:

Cast on 4 stitches in red. Knit in stockinette stitch for 8 rows. Then make a button hole:

K2tog, yo, k2.

purl 4

bind off.

Repeat to make another strap. Weave in the tail ends near the buttonhole. Using the other tail ends, sew the straps onto the right side of the opening with the extended lip. Sew each strap about 1 inch in from the side seams and 1" in from the lip opening. Fold straps over to see where the buttons should go and sew on two buttons.

Taadaa!!! All done!

Check out my other patterns (links at the bottom of that page too)on my blog and check out my store on Etsy!

Knitting! The Union Jack Flag Pattern

As promised, here is my pattern for the Union Jack flag garland!

Union Jack Flag Garland

You need: light fingering yarn in red, white and blue and3.5mm needles

Gauge: 7 stitches = 1inch worked in stockinette stitch

Cast on 16 stitches in royal blue. Follow the pattern below in stockinette stitch for the remaining 26 rows. Bind off in blue. Weave in ends and block. String flags together to create a garland. Hang up and enjoy your festivities!

P.S. Are you on Ravelry? Friend me! I am honeynutbrown.

P.P.S. Check out my other patterns :

American Flag Garland

Canadian Flag Garland

Danish Flag Garland

Cowichan Toque design

Forest Pixie Hat

Mary's Merry Wristers

And my store where I sell these things

Knitting! American Flag Pattern

Well, here it is. The American Flag pattern.

American Flag Pattern

You need: light fingering yarn in red, white and blue and3.5mm needles

Gauge: 7 stitches = 1inch worked in stockinette stitch

Cast on 20 stitches in red. Work the pattern in stockinette stitch, as given below from the bottom up, binding off in the same colours as the pattern. Weave in ends. Block and tie multiple flags together to create a garland. Hang it up and celebrate!

P.S. Are you on Ravelry? Friend me! I am honeynutbrown.

P.P.S. Check out my other patterns :

Canadian Flag Pattern

Danish Flag Garland

Cowichan Toque design

Forest Pixie Hat

Mary's Merry Wristers

And my store where I sell these things

This page is linked to A Beach Cottage.

Knitting! Canadian Flag Garland Pattern

I figured I better make a Canadian Flag pattern version of the flag garland. So here it is: (Stay tuned for the Union Jack version)

Canadian Flag Pattern

You need: light fingering yarn in red and white and 3.5mm needles

Gauge: 7 stitches = 1inch worked in stockinette stitch

Cast on 16 stitches in red. Follow the colour pattern below for the next 25 rows in stockinette stitch. Bind off. Weave in ends and block. Tie multiple flags together to create a garland. Hang it and enjoy.

P.S. Are you on Ravelry? Friend me! I am honeynutbrown.

P.P.S. Check out my other patterns : Danish Flag Garland

Cowichan Toque design

Forest Pixie Hat

Mary's Merry Wristers

And my store where I sell these things

Knitting! Danish Flag Garland - Danske Flag

When I was a kid, going to my best friend's house for any sort of celebration meant going to experience their rich Danish culture. Just about every occasion was an excuse to hang the beautiful garlands of Danish Flags around the house and yard.

When I was living in Mexico over Christmas, she sent me down a garland of flags and they still grace my Christmas tree every year. So, I wanted to create a knitting pattern that would replicate these garlands.

Danish Flag Garland

You need: light fingering yarn in red and white and 3.5mm needles

Gauge: 7 stitches = 1inch worked in stockinette stitch

Cast on 16 stitches in red yarn.

1st row: knit 7 in red, k2 in white, k7 in red

2nd row:purl 7 in red, p2 in white, p7 in red

repeat rows 1 and 2 until 6 total rows have been finished.

Knit 1 row in white.

Purl 1 row in white.

K7 in red, k2 in white, k 7 in red.

P7 in red, p2 in white, p7 in red.

Repeat last 2 rows until a total of 8 rows have been completed, ending on a purl row.

Now it is time to work the points on the flag. You will be working the right first, then the left.

Right Point

Knit 6, slip slip knit (ssk), turn work. (At this point, you can slip the unworked stitches onto a different needle, or just leave them on the needle, leaving them unworked. I left them on the needle).

P7

K5, ssk, turn.

p6

K4, ssk, turn.

P2tog (purl 2 together), p3

K2, ssk, turn.

P2tog, p1

K2tog (knit 2 together), bind off. Reattach yarn on left side.

Left Point

K2tog, k6

P7

K2tog, k5

P6

K2tog, k4

P3, ssp (slip slip purl)

K2tog, K2

P1, ssp

K2tog, bind off.

Weave in ends and block. This will help them to keep from curling too much, although some curling is inevitable. Knit a few other flags and then tie them together on a string. Hang them up at your next celebration!

Note: You can change the colour to make other cross-flags. Reverse the colours to make the cross of England. Do blue and yellow for a Swedish Flag, etc...

P.S. Are you on Ravelry? Friend me! I am honeynutbrown.

P.P.S. Check out my other patterns : Cowichan Toque design

Forest Pixie Hat

Mary's Merry Wristers

And my store where I sell these things

Knitting! Cowichan Toque

Hello everyone. I wanted to let you know that I have decided to remove this pattern. This pattern was made to look like a traditional First Nation's style from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The truth is, that it is not fair for me to be posting this pattern. While I have not profited from this pattern at all, it may be taking away revenue from the traditional makers of this style, and that is not fair of me to do. I am sorry for any harm that this may have caused. Thank you for all your interest in this pattern. If you are still looking to knit something similar, please look for a pattern provided by the original creators of this style! 

Knitting! Child's Forest Pixie Hat

Here is a pdf for this pattern. It makes it nice and easy to read and print out. Thanks so much, Courtney for making it!

Here is a new pattern that I developed, based on many vintage designs for children. I love the simplicity of this pattern and how adorable it looks when done. I knitted this hat using two strands of yarn together, giving it a very nice effect and added warmth. Using two strands of yarn at once isn't necessary, just make sure you have the proper gauge.

Gauge is very important, so be sure to check it carefully. Use 4.5mm needles (straight) in stockinette stitch. 1inch x 1inch = 4 stitches x 5 rows.

I used two very thin yarns, one of acrylic and one a mohair mix (50g each). You could use just one yarn that is a little heavier (thicker).

Sizes: Ok, I don't have a baby or child to try the sizes out on, so I am going by averages. If you are making it for a specific child, you could try to get their measurements to make it a more accurate fit. Just remember that 1 inch equals 4 stitches, so add or subtract the stitches necessary for fit.

6 months to a year: 15 inches in circumference (from under chin to top of forehead to under chin again)

1 year: 16 inches

2 years: 18 inch circumference

4 years: 19 inch circumference

6 years: 20 inch circumference

With 4.5mm needles, cast on 60 stitches (64, 72, 76, 80)

1st row: Knit 2, purl 2 to end

2nd row: Make button hole: Knit2together, yo, continue in ribbing pattern to end. *(note: I made a larger buttonhole for the buttons that I used. k2tog, yo, yo, p2tog. It is just trickier to knit and purl in 2 yo's in a row in the next row)*

3rd row: Continue in ribbing pattern until last 4 stitches, knit 2, purl 1 in yo, purl 1 in final st. (just keepin' the same pattern going)

Continue in ribbing pattern of knit2 purl2 until a total of 8 (8,10,10,12) rows have been completed from the beginning.

Now for some stockinette stitching!

1st row: Knit to end

2nd row: knit 2, purl to last 2 stitches, knit 2 (use a stitch marker to mark these spots if you have a tendency like me to forget)

Repeat these last 2 rows (knitting the first and last two stitches of every row to make a garter stitch border) until the piece measures 6.5 inches (6.5", 7.5," 7.5", 8") long from the very beginning (including all the ribbing).( This is where it helps to have a child to measure on. When you get half-way through a row, fold the piece in half and pin the row you are working on together. If it can close while fitting over the child's head, then it is long enough.) Bind off when appropriate length is reached. Fold in half with wrong sides facing. Sew up the end that you just finished binding off. (See diagram)

***You can leave off the chin strap and sew a button right onto the ribbed end that doesn't have a button hole OR if you are finding the fit too snug, you can add a chin strap, detailed below. The chin strap will add roughly 2.5" to the circumference.***

Chin strap:

Cast on 8 (8, 10, 10, 12) stitches. Knit in garter stitches for 2.5inches. Bind off. Sew to the ribbed end that does not have the buttonhole.

Sew a button (Very securely!) to the end of the chin strap. (I added another button on the other side of the chin strap for a stylish touch)

Weave in ends. Tada! Done!

I have one for sale on my etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HoneyNutbrown

If you catch any mistakes, please please please, leave me a comment and I will fix it.

Check out my other pattern: Mary's Merry Wristers.