Friday, October 19, 2007
Four Hats, One Yarn
My knitting needed a boost this week and I could think of no better way to accomplish this than to knit for the little babies. There's a special feeling that comes from knitting for someone you will never meet, especially if that someone is a tiny preemie in need of a warm hat. All of these hats are size 1-3 pounds and will be donated to TPP Michigan.
I decided to use only one yarn (Red Heart TLC Baby) in one color (New Mint Sparkle) and one needle size (US 5). The challenge was to make each hat a different style. It turned into a game of sorts which added to the fun. I came up with four different hats this time, but I still have lots of yarn left so I may continue the challenge another day.
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The first hat is a basic rolled brim worked in the round on 48 stitches. Here is a great pattern to get you started. I threw in a couple of purl rounds to add interest and worked the decreases differently. It's very easy to make this hat your own. Get creative with it.
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This one is called Lacy Hat. I worked it flat on 54 stitches, repeating the four row stitch pattern six times.
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It's been a long time since I've knitted a ribbed hat. They are great for preemies because they stretch to fit a variety of sizes and fit well every time. This 2x2 rib is worked in the round on 56 stitches. I didn't use a pattern, but you might like to try Bev's Baby Ribs Hat.
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I did use a pattern for this one. It's Preemie Twinkle Hat. I knitted it in the round on 48 stitches, repeating the eight row stitch pattern three times. It was only when I was finished that I realized from the pattern picture that it was intended to be knitted flat. It was supposed to be garter stitch with an eyelet pattern instead of stockinette stitch with an eyelet pattern. Oh well, I'll try it that way next time.
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Great hats. They are just adorable, I especially like the last one. I haven't done too much in the way of charity knitting since my munchkins came along. I need to get a few hats done for the new baby!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I've dropped knitting the blanket in favor of pumpkin hats!
ReplyDeleteYour preemie hats look lovely! Last night I pulled out my raincoat, which I had not worn in a long while, and found a preemie hat in the pocket. I don't remember why I put it in there. :)
They all look so cute! I like the way the last one makes a diamond-like pattern. It IS fun to try out different patterns. I like that yarn too.
ReplyDeleteGreat hats! they are so cute.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing those hats are! I received one for my two last babies and those hats were more precious to me than any amount of free diapers or bags could ever have been:-)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you did four hats and got creative with them! I love that they look pretty easy. I don't have anymore baby yarn so I would have to make myself go out and buy more yarn. Oh drats! :)
ReplyDeleteTwinkle just makes me want to cast on. Love the new yarn I think after the first of the year I'm going to cast on some preemie hats and guess what yarn and pattern I'm going to use.....
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute idea! I love them all.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a nice time visiting with your kids. I love the picture of them taking pictures of their shadow on the beach. Clever.
I love the way you managed to make 4 hats from the same yarn look so different! Great knitting!
ReplyDeleteI love all the hats. Nothing like some FOs to get you back into the knitting swing ;-)
ReplyDeleteAwww! I love your hats. There are three girls at work who are expecting babies soon, and I've been trying to decide what I want to do for them. I like all of the mothers-to-be, but I'm not close friends with them. I'm always a little hesistant to give handknit gifts to people who may not appreciate having to carefully handwash them. Your little hats are a perfect addition for me to consider. Maybe I could "fill" them with a few useful baby items as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're such a faithful blogger. I come back after a break and there you are:) It's nice.
Nice! I like the ribs a lot. I think I'd like to try the twinkle hat too.
ReplyDeleteThose are all cute, of course. I think I like the second one the best. The pattern looks unusual.
ReplyDeleteI love all the hats and you've inspired me.
ReplyDeleteThe ribbed hat reminds me of the one my youngest son got in the hospital -- and although he wasn't a preemie, I sure appreciated the ribbing because it helped his hat stay on his head.