Although it’s high summer here, some of us are starting to think about what we and our loved ones will be wearing come Autumn. This week I made a little retro style bonnet for my neighbour’s baby girl, Ella Rose, who was born last Friday. Even though it’s too big (and warm) for her to wear now, it should fit nicely by the time the colder weather arrives. The plant dyed organic merino [Forever Green Élan] seemed like just the right kind of snuggly yarn to keep a baby’s ears warm. 

The bonnet can be made with a chin strap, or with ties as below, on my niece Lucia.

 

 

Plant dyed organic merino [Forever Green Élan] seemed like just the right kind of snuggly yarn to keep a baby’s ears warm. 

Here’s the pattern.

Happy knitting!

–Mel

 

PIXIE BONNET

SIZE
0-12(12-24) months

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Crown size 42(45) cm; 16.5(17.5)”

YARN
Forevergreen Élan Organic Wool (100% organic merino; 167 meters (183 yds)/ 50gm); 1 ball

NEEDLES
Size 3.25mm[US3] 60 cm circular needle
Size 3.75mm[US5] straight needles 

NOTIONS
Removable marker

Stitch markers

GAUGE
22sts and 32rows=10cm/4” in stst on larger needles

INSTRUCTIONS

Neck Edge [For version with ties see below]
With smaller needles cast on 62 (72) sts.
Knit 4 rows, placing removable marker on first row to mark RS.
Row 5: K3, bind off 4, k to end.
Row 6: K to gap, cast on 4, k to end.
Rows 7&8: K
Row 9: Bo 14(16), k to end–48(56)sts
Row 10: P 11(13), pm, p1, pm, p11 (13), pm, p2, pm, p11 (13), pm, p1, pm, p11(13).
Begin increases.
Increase row 1: K to marker, m1, sm, k1, sm, m1, k to marker, m1, sm, k2, sm, m1, k to marker, m1, sm, k1, sm, m1, k to end–54(62) sts
Purl 1 row.
Increase row 2: K to 1st marker, m1, sm, k1, sm, m1, k to 5th marker, m1, sm, k1, sm, m1, k to end–58(66) sts
Purl 1 row
Repeat last 4 rows–68(76) sts
Remove 1^st, 2^nd, 5^th and 6^th markers, leaving only the center markers.
Increase row 3: K to marker, m1, sm, k2, sm, m1, k to end–70(78) sts
Working in stst, increase as set on every 4^th row until there are 78(86) sts
Work straight in stst until bonnet measures 18(20) cm from cast on edge.
Divide stitches between evenly between 2 needles, with RS facing outwards, (WS facing each other) and join using Kitchener Stitch.

Bonnet Face Edge
With smaller needles, ws facing, pu and knit 78(84) sts along edge of joined face edge. Work 17(21) rows garter stitch. Bind off loosely.

Finishing
Fold Face Edge back and sew to RS of Neck Edge of Bonnet. Weave in ends.
Make a 3 or 4 cm pompom and attach to Bonnet Crown.

VERSION WITH TIES
Neck Edge
With smaller needles cast on 164 (172) sts.
Knit 3 rows, placing removable marker on first row to mark RS.
Row 4: Bo 58(58) k to last 58(58) sts, bo 58(58)–48(56)sts
Break yarn and rejoin to remaining sts, RS facing.
Rows 5-9: Knit
Continue with pattern from Row 10.

Now that I’ve almost finished my hand made gifts (can’t disclose what, or for whom since they might take a peek here) the time has come to whip up a few new ornaments for my tree. I don’t know why I’ve never made these before. They’re so quick and easy, unbreakable, and they have their own hanging loop. No more scrounging in the bottom of the Christmas box to find the metal hooks that might be left over from last year but always disappear, causing a dash to the hardware store just when you really don’t want to be out in the Holiday traffic.
You can use scrap yarn and really go to town on the embellishments for these. I used Koigu KPM for the main colour except for the white one, which is Blue Sky Skinny Organic Cotton. A few bits and pieces of novelty yarns and leftovers make the embroidery, stripes, Fair Isle and petals.

The pattern here is for the basic shape. Choose double pointed needles of a size to suit your yarn.

 

Happy knitting!

–Mel

 

CHRISTMAS BAUBLES

 

YOU’LL NEED:

Small amounts of cheerful yarns, fibre filling ,double pointed needles, and a stitch marker.

 

MEASUREMENTS

The largest of these ornaments is 15cm long x 20 cm diameter,using 2 strands of Koigu KPM and size 4mm dpns. 

 

Cast on 6 sts.

Join in rnd, placing marker for beginning of round.

 

Rnd 1: Knit into back of all sts.

Rnd 2: Kfb 6 times–12sts

Rnd 3: K

Rnd 4: [K1, kfb] 6 times–18sts

Rnd 5: K

Rnd 6: [K2, kfb] 6 times–24sts

Rnd 7: K

Rnd 8: [K3, kfb] 6 times–30 sts

Rnd 9: K

Rnd 10: [K4, kfb] 6 times–36sts

Rnd 11: K

Rnd 12: [K5, kfb] 6 times–42sts

 

For round ornament, work straight for 3 rnds

[For oval, work straight for 5 or 7 rnds]

 

Rnd 16: [K 5,k2tog] 6 times–36sts

Rnd 17: K

Rnd 18: [K4, k2tog] 6 times–30sts

Rnd 19: K

Rnd 20: [K3, k2tog] 6 times–24sts

Rnd 21: K

Rnd 22: [K2, k 2tog] 6 times–18sts

 

Begin to fill ornament with fibre filling.

 

 

 

Rnd 23: K

Rnd 24: [K1, k2tog] 6 times–12sts

Rnd 25: K

Rnd 26: [K2tog] 6 times–6 sts

Insert last of fibre filling to make ornament puffy and firm.

Rnd 27[30]: [K2tog] 3 times–3sts

 

 

 

Work an I-cord for desired length on remaining 3 sts and 2 dpns. Bind off all sts. Sew end of I-cord to base. Weave in ends.

 

 

In working my way down the Christmas list, I’m determined not to repeat the time I wearily put the finishing touches to the last of my gifts at 2am Christmas morning. My advice to anyone contemplating homemade gifts is to keep it simple and for those whose gifts you don’t get around to, buy a book!

 

With simplicity in mind, this knit-in-the-round loofah mitt is easy to make and could be accompanied by a bar of soap just in case the recipient has any doubts as to its purpose.

 

 

The yarn I used is Habu Textiles Gear Linen, which has a crinkled appearance and a texture best described as crunchy.The resulting stiffness of the knitting makes it perfect for scrubbing the skin. It can be used for exfoliating, scrubbing or as a wash cloth and is best hung to dry between uses. After some time you might want to throw it in the washing machine for a refresh, in which case I’d recommend hanging it to dry to retain its stiffness.

 

 

I don’t know the name of the stitch I used. Perhaps someone reading this might know it? It’s like a rib on one side, and looks like purl stitch on the other. The best thing about it is that it creates a double thickness, and has a spongy quality. See photos below.

 

Happy knitting!

 

–Mel

 

 

Here’s the pattern.

 

Loofah Mitt

 

YARN

Habu Textiles Gear Linen; 125 meters/140 yds/28gm; 100% linen; 1 ball colour 1-white.

Scrap yarn for cast on

 

NEEDLES

Size 3.25mm double pointed needles

 

NOTIONS

3 stitch markers, 1 in contrasting colour.

 

MITT

Cast on 54 sts. Join in rnd, taking care not to twist sts. Place marker.

Rnd 1: *P1, slip 1 purlwise; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 2: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

 

Work for 4cm, ending with Rnd 1.

Continuing in pattern, place thumb markers as follows:

Work 26, pm, work 2, pm, work to end.

Increase rnd: Work to marker, sm, pfb twice, sm, work to end.

Next rnd: Work to marker, sm, p4, sm, work to end.

Work as set, increasing one stitch after first thumb marker and before 2nd thumb marker on alternate rnds. Work thumb stitches as purl stitches on every rnd.

Work until there are 16 thumb sts, ending with Rnd 2.

Next rnd: Work to thumb markers, bind off 16, remove thumb markers, work to end.

Next rnd: Work to gap, cast on 2 sts, work to end.

Continue in pattern for 10cm. Bind off loosely. Weave in ends.

 

MAKE LOOP

Cast on 60 sts.

Knit one row.

Bind off.

Sew both ends of loop to cast on edge.

 

Abbreviations

Pm place marker

Sm slip marker

Pfb purl into the front and back of stitch to increase.

Rnd round

 

 

 

 

 

 

While rummaging in my photo files the other day I came across this tea cozy which was made three years ago when I was putting together projects for my book, Knit 2 Together.  It didn’t make the final cut, replaced at the last minute by the little upstart, tongue- in- cheek Tutu cozy (below). 

  

But I still love this colourful cozy even though I was for a brief time unfaithful, something I’m NEVER with my tea. I love Tea India, hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. I discovered it at India Sweets and Spices on Venice Blvd, Culver City, when I lived in California. So enamoured was I with the red and yellow boxes that I saved every one, with good intentions of making a collage box for my lovely daughter, also named India. As usual, knitting elbowed out other craft ideas and when we left California the boxes were cast, with much regret, into the recycling. I thought I had lost my favourite tea forever. Even though my friends back in California offered to send me supplies, I suspected that a carton of tea might be stretching their generosity. 

 

You can imagine my joy when David spotted Tea India on the shelves of Bhana Brothers, the wonderful Ponsonby Road fruit and vegetable shop. We’re told they make their chai with it. Now I’m on a mission to get others addicted to Tea India so that Bhana Bros will continue to stock it. Please, tea drinkers, loose-leaf tastes so much better than tea bags. Once you try you’ll never go back, and there are other advantages: you can collect teapots and tea cozies, like these.

 

Because of the number of colours used in this Cozy, some of them small amounts, we are offering for sale a kit, which includes one hank each of the two main colours and just enough of the others to make your stripes. The kit can be found here.

 

Tea India Cozy has two layers, for extra insulation to keep your tea hot. The embroidery I added to the lining (below) is optional but makes for a nice surprise when you reverse it.

 

 

 

Here’s the pattern. 

 

Happy knitting!

 

–Mel

 

 

TEA INDIA COZY 

 

YARN

6 complementary colors of 4 ply wool, 2 hanks of 2 main colours (A & B) and small amounts of C, D, E, & F. Shown in Koigu Wool Designs KPM; 2120[A], 2300[B], 2132[C], 1013[D], 2232[E], 1193[F]

Scrap yarn for provisional cast on.

 

NEEDLES

Size 2.75mm[US2] 40cm circular needle

Size 3.25mm[US3] 40cm circular needle

One extra size 2.75mm[US2] needle (straight or DPN)

2 stitch holders

Stitch markers

 

NOTIONS

60cm [24”] length of ribbon for tie [optional]

 

SIZE

Fits a teapot circumference 40(46)cm [16(18)ins]

 

GAUGE

26sts = 10cm/4”

 

LINING

With smaller needle cast on 104(120) sts in a scrap yarn. Cut scrap yarn.

With A, knit 1 row. Join in round taking care not to twist sts. Place marker for beginning of round.

Mark mid point of round(rnd) after (52) 60sts with a stitch marker, work 8 rounds in stst (all rounds knit). The stitch markers will indicate the “sides” of tea cozy, or position of the handle and spout gaps.

Purl 1 round.

Work 12 rnds stst, changing to larger needle after 8 rnds.

 

SHAPE OPENINGS

 *Row 1: Bind off 2 sts, knit to marker, turn, place remaining (52) 60 sts on a holder.

Row 2: Bind off 2 sts purlwise, purl to end –48 (56) sts 

Put markers aside for later use when work is joined in the round.

Work in stst on these 48(56) sts for 26 rows.**

Leave stitches on a holder.

 

With RS facing, join yarn to 52(60) sts on first holder.

Repeat from * to **.

Join all sts in round, replacing the Openings sts as follows:

Knit 48(56), cast on 4, pm, knit 48 (56), cast on 4, pm. 

Work 11 rounds stst. Change to color B and work 2 rounds.

Transfer sts to smaller circular needle and hold for later. 

 

OUTER LAYER

Remove scrap yarn from 104(120) sts at cast on edge and place live sts on larger circular needle. Place marker at beginning of rnd and after 52(60) sts.

With C, work 4 rounds stst.

*Change to D and Shape Openings as for Lining.

–48(56) sts

Beginning with a knit row, work 2 more rows stst with D.

Work 4 rows B, and 4 rows E. Work a further 4 rows each on F, A, C, & D.

Repeat from *on held 52(60)sts.

Join all sts in round, and with E, work as follows: Knit 48(56), cast on 4, pm, knit 48(56), cast on 4, pm. 

Work a further 3 rounds in E. Work 4 rounds in F and A.

Change to B and work 2 rounds.

Weave in the ends.

 

JOIN LINING AND OUTER LAYER

 

Fold the lining up into the inside of cozy. Line up the sts on the 2 circular needles, the beginning markers of each round adjacent.

With color B and one size 3 needle, and with the Outer Layer of the tea cozy on the outside (facing you), knit together the two layers as follows: 

Knit into the back of the first st (Outer) and the front of the back st (Lining). As you form each combination stitch, pass it back onto one of the circular needles. When all 104(120) sts from both needles have been knit together, place marker for beginning of the round.

Work 2+2 rib as follows:

*K2, P2; repeat from * to end of round.

Work in rib for 5(9) more rounds.

Make eyelets: 

*K2, yo, p2tog, repeat from * to end of round.

Continue in K2, P2 rib for 12 rounds.

Work Picot bind off as follows:

Knit 2, bind the first st off, *slip remaining st on right needle back onto left needle, cast on 2 sts, cast off 6, repeat from * to end of round, ending by casting off 5.

 

Work optional embroidery on solid color side of tea cozy, before you sew around the openings.

Stitch around the spout and handle openings.

Make a twisted cord, or cut a ribbon 60cm[24”] long for a tie.

Thread through eyelets.

 

 

 At the risk of sounding like the Southern Californian I used to be, I must say it’s been cold here lately. Not South Island cold, or New York cold, but this winter has been colder than last, which is my only benchmark because I missed so many. The opportunity to wear all my wool sweaters must be celebrated! Nights have been especially chilly and since we don’t keep our house overly heated in the interests of being responsible electricity consumers, extra clothing has crept into my bed. I’ve drawn the line at wearing a hat, but my Novella Socks/leg warmers have been keeping my legs cozy. This brought me to thinking about the old fashioned bed socks popular in many of my vintage knitting books, and how useful a pair might be. I made these for my Mum, Daphne (hence the heart-shaped bobble motif), but I’ve now started on a pair for myself. I plan to wear them inside my clogs once spring approaches.

 

I wonder if anyone loves Koigu Kersti as much as I do? Because it’s a crepe yarn I’m guessing it will never pill, which makes it perfect for these sockettes which will be much worn, rubbed and loved. It combines indestructibility with beauty and softness, thanks to the merino wool and the fantastic colour sense of the dyers at Koigu. It might even be my Desert Island yarn, although it would have to compete with its sister KPM for that honour. I had to restrain myself from adding pompoms to the ties since the heart motif was already sounding my cuteness alarm, but you could pile it on, or leave out the bobbles and add the poms or tassles, like ladies in the old knitting books who, in my opinion, new a thing or two about glamour, in bed. 

-Mel 

 

 

                                                                              

 

 

 

Here’s the pattern.

 

note: if you’re not sure how to make I-cord on double pointed needles, there’s a tutorial on the Waste Not, Want Not post.

 

Raspberry Bed Socks

 

YARN

Koigu Kersti 100% merino wool; 50g/100m/114yds; 2 hanks K1184

Extra fingering weight yarn or ribbon for ties. [I used Koigu KPM 1184]

 

NEEDLES

Set of 5 Size 3.25mm (US3) and 3.5mm (US4) 18cm[7”] double pointed needles 

 

NOTIONS

2 removable markers

3 stitch markers, 1 in contrasting colour

 

SIZES

To fit foot length 18(20.5,23) cm/7(8,9) inches

 

GAUGE

22 sts & 36 rows = 10cm/4” in garter stitch on larger needles

24 sts & 32rows = 10cm in stst on larger needles

 

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE

Make bobble (mb)

Beginning with next stitch on Left Needle, cast on 4 sts by knit cast on method. Knit these 4 sts, dropping original stitch off needle. On Right Needle, pass the 3^rd stitch over the 4th st and off the needle, repeat for 2nd and 1st stitches. There is one stitch left.

 

SOLE 

With larger needles, cast on 7 sts, work in garter stitch, increasing at each end of alternate rows 5 times–17sts Work 22(26,30) rows straight, placing removable marker at each end of 15^th row.

Decrease each end of next and following 4^th row twice –11sts

Work 36(40,44) rows garter stitch.

Decrease each end of next row and following 2 alternate rows–5sts

Work one row. Bind off. 

 

SLIPPER UPPER

With RS of sole facing, beginning at last bind off stitch (at heel), and working toward toe or wider end of sole, pick up and knit 33(39,45) sts to first removable marker (discard removable marker), place stitch marker, 35 sts to next removable marker (including 7 sts from cast on sts of sole), pm, 38(44,50) to end (including 5 sts from bind off sts of sole), pm for beg of round–106(118,130) sts.

 

Rnds 1-4:Knit

Begin toe decreases.

Rnd 5: K to 1st marker, [ssk, k2] three times, ssk, k3, mb, k3, [k2tog, k2] three times, k2tog, k to end–98(110,122) sts

Rnd 6:Knit

Rnd 7:K to marker, k11, mb, k3, mb, k to end.

Rnd 8:Knit

Rnd 9:K to marker, [k1, ssk] three times, mb, k7, mb, [k2tog, k1] three times, k to 5 sts before end of rnd, ssk, k1, k2tog–90(102,114) sts

Rnds 10 & 11: Knit

Rnd 12:K to marker, k6, [mb, k3] twice, mb, k to end.

Rnd 13:K to marker, k3, ssk, k11, k2tog, k to end–88(100, 112) sts

Rnds 14: K to marker, k7, mb, k3, mb, k to end.

Rnds 15&16: Knit

Begin short rows:

Row 17:K to marker, k14, wrap, turn,

Row 18:P10, wrap, turn,

Row 19: K9, wrap, turn,

Row 20:P8, wrap, turn,

Row 21: Knit to end.

Rnd 22: K to marker, k5, [ssk] twice, k1, [k2tog] twice, k to end–84(96,108) sts

Change to smaller needles.

Rnd 23: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 24: *K1, p1, yo, p2tog; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 25: as Rnd 23

Bind off.

With smaller needles, cast on 3 sts, make I –cord 56cm[22”] long. Thread through eyelets and tie a knot in each end. 

 

 

 

It’s our birthday! Today we have been open for business for one whole month. I’d like to say a big thank you to all our new customers. Some of you I know from knitting events and from my years in California. Those I don’t know, I wish I could meet you all in person. From the email exchanges I’ve had, you sound like a friendly bunch of yarn lovers. 

There seems to be a lot of buzz about lace knitting these days but I’ve observed that some knitters are afraid to dive in and try it. You don’t have to start with a fine lace shawl, although that’s possible for the intrepid beginner. I have never made a fine lace shawl myself, although it’s in my holding pattern (list of projects circling my head, waiting to drop in and land). Some of my most enjoyable knitting moments have been with simple lace patterns. They’re easy to memorize and just complex enough to keep my interest without deterring movie watching or knitting on the bus. I thought I’d share one that I’ve made several times in various yarns, this time for my friend Ingrid’s birthday. It’s a four row repeat and two of these are purled, so it’s easy peasy.(Note that when there is no pattern on the alternate rows it is technically not lace, but lacey knitting) I guarantee you will have memorized it after 6 repeats. Check the measurements. It’s quite wide, and just long enough to wrap twice around my neck and tie in a knot in front.  Hint for deciding if a scarf will be long enough: wrap the tape measure around your neck. If you want to make it longer using the same quantity of yarn, leave out one repeat, which would mean you would cast on 31 stitches instead of 41. For this version I used Jade Sapphire 6 ply Cashmere, but it would also be gorgeous in Manos Silk Blend or Blue Sky Suri Merino. Happy knitting! –Mel

 

 

                                  

 

 

Ingrid’s Birthday Scarf

 

Yarn:

Jade Sapphire Exotic Fibers Mongolian Cashmere, 100% cashmere, 6 ply; 138m/150yds; 55g; 2 hanks

 

Needles: Size 5.5mm[US9]

 

Finished measurements: 120×23cm[47x9]”

 

Abbreviations

K2tog  Knit 2 stitches together

Skp     Slip1, knit1, pass the slip stitch over

Sk2p   Slip one, knit 2 together, pass the slip stitch over.

Yo      Take yarn between the needles to front of work

 

Cast on 41 sts. Knit 1 row.

 

Row 1(RS): K1, *(yo, skp) twice, k1, (k2tog, yo) twice, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: K2, *yo, skp, yo, sk2p, yo, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to end, ending last repeat k2.

Row 4: Purl.

Repeat these 4 rows to desired length, ending Row 2 or 4.

Knit 1 row.  Bind off.

 

 

Something I’ve been patiently awaiting came to my door this week. No, not another pair of shoes (my lesser addiction), but a box of delicious plant dyed certified organic merino named “Elan”. I’d already tried knitting with this lovely yarn, so fresh it has just stepped out of the dye bath, but I’d not yet seen the range of very pretty colours. The pale blue will be here in a few days, a delay due to little dying hiccups at the mill. I love this yarn.The ice cream colours lend themselves to baby garments, but I feel a cabled sweater for myself coming on. As a lover of bright colours, I find myself inexplicably drawn to Myro Fawn. Such a lovely name, more interesting than beige. Perhaps it brings back memories of the shawl-collared cardy knitted for me by my mother when I was a little girl. That wool was fawn with speckles of brights. It was my pride and joy and I vividly remember wearing it to school the morning after she finished it. One very nice detail on the label of this yarn is a description of how each colour is achieved, for example “The colour Karr Pink is the residue and sap from the tropical forests of India”

 

                                                                        

 

 

To prepare for my Playing with Colour workshop at Knitworld, Lower Hutt, next weekend, I thought I’d try a little colour knitting with “Elan”.This dotty sample is done mainly intarsia-style, but for two of the spots, I carried the background colour across the back, and wove it as I went. They are less successful, and look a bit wobbly, probably because I pulled the carried yarn too tight. Can you tell which ones they are? Disclaimer: I am not a perfect knitter just in case you think they’re all a bit rough.

 

 

                                                            

 

Yes, you’re right. It’s the top two, the green and yellow dots. I got lazy and thought I’d cheat. I should have made them their own little areas of colour.

 

Happy Knitting,

Mel 

 

 

 

 

Hooray! South Seas Knitting went live today, finally. I feel like I’ve given birth and it could be said I went way past my due date. Thank you to all of the patient knitters who have continued to sheepishly enquire as to when it might happen. Some may think I was lounging around eating chocolates for the past few months, but no, I was doing the next best thing- ordering yarn, photographing yarn, writing about yarn, and most important, knitting with yarn. Now that we’re underway, I look forward to meeting new knitters, to hearing about what you’re knitting and what’s new in your knitting world. Please feel free to leave comments here and to email me with questions, suggestions and requests.To celebrate our launch I thought I’d share a pattern that was very popular at last year’s 2007 Papakura Knit Out. It is a gauzy lace weight scarf in a variation of Feather and Fan Stitch, made with just one ball of Habu cashmere. I first saw it worn by one of my favourite knitting people, Takako Ukei, of Habu Textiles in New York. She graciously gave me permission to share the pattern here. Enjoy it!

Mel 

                                                                

 

Takako’s Cashmere Scarf

Yarn: 1 ball of Habu Naturally Dyed Cashmere  or Habu Cashmere

Size 3.25mm needles

 

Finished Measurements: 12×120cm

 

Stitch Pattern 1

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: *(K2tog) 3 times,  (yo,k1)  6 times, (k2tog) 3 times; rep from *.

Row 4: Knit

 

Stitch Pattern 2

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: K9, (k 2 tog) 3 times, (yo, k1) 6 times, (k2tog) 3 times, k9.

Row 4: P 9, k18, p9.

 

Cast on 36 sts.

 

*Work Stitch Pattern 1 eight times.

Work Stitch Pattern 2 eight times.

Rep from * 5 times.

Repeat Stitch Pattern 1 eight times.

Bind off loosely.

 

 

 

 

Here’s a child’s version of a Ballet Wrap that I made in my Wildfiber days. A friendly knitter from New York saw it on Ravelry and asked me to adjust the pattern for her little girl & friends. The yarn is Koigu KPM, shade 235, needle size 3.75 & 3.25mm [US3 & 5]. The pattern can be bought here. Happy Knitting! 

Mel 

 

Several knitters have asked me how to make a smaller version of the Doctor’s bag in Knit 2 Together. The book version is large, perfect for a knitting tote or even a weekender, but what a good idea to make it smaller! I made one for myself and I like it so much it’s going to me my new winter purse. I changed the closure, too, because I wanted an excuse to use this lovely buckle which I found at the delightful vintage haberdashery shop, Salvage, on Mt Eden Road. In writing the instructions below, I’ve included only those that differ from the original pattern. You’ll need 31cm (12″) rods to reinforce the opening, although you might not need to use any, as the smaller size is quite structured without them. For handles I used the small Grayson leather handles found here.

What I love most about this project is the stitch pattern. It’s complex enough to keep me interested, but once learned, straightforward enough for intense movie watching. I’m considering making one for each of my friends’ birthdays this year. If you decide to take the plunge, I hope you have as much fun as I did. When it was finished I wanted to sleep with it under my pillow!

Happy knitting,

Mel 

                           

 

 

Junior Doctor’s Bag

 

Measurements

38cm[15'] long x 14cm[5.5"]wide x 20cm[8"] high

Materials

5 hanks Manos del Uruguay, 2 strands held together

 

Shown in #64-Pewter

 

Back and Front

Cast on 10 sts.Work cast-ons as for pattern-34sts.

Work even in pattern until piece measures 35cm[14"].Bind off as described in pattern until 10 sts remain.

 

Sides

Work as for Back and Front until you have 30 sts.

Work even until piece measures 10cm [4"] from the beginning, ending with Row 5.Work bind-ff as described in patter, until 10 sts remain.

 

Base

Cast on 58 sts. Work Rows 1-16 twice. Bind off in pattern.

 

Finishing

Base and Front

Pick up and knit 48 sts along long edge of Base (AB on assembly diagram)Repeat along straight edge of Front (BA). 

 

Sides

Pick up and knit 24-14-24 sts along edges of Side (EDBC) and Front FBDG). Repeat for second Side.

 

Buckle Strap 

With a single strand of yarn and a size 5mm(H) crochet hook, ch 35, *turn, sc 35; repeat from * twice. Work sc around perimeter.

Sew strap to inside edge of Bag Opening.

Work a second strap same size, slide it through the buckle and sew both ends to the Side of Bag, approx 10cm(4″) from folded opening edge.