knitsta

Howdy!

I'm new to knitting but have been knitting for almost two years on and off. I just got my first set of dpns and want to make a hat for an upcoming ski trip (my first time!) in February.

I CO my sts, joined the rnd, and disaster struck! The first time I tried it, I got 2 rnds in before I messed up, accidently knitting with my too-long yarn tail instead of the working yarn. The second time, I got 4 rnds in before I messed up again, somehow reversing mid-rnd and knitting the same set of sts twice.

Question: Now, I know I'm a total klutz, but are there any tricks-of-the-trade or nifty reminders to help my circular knitting go more smoothly?

And, just so this isn't text-only, here's ( my first non-scarf project. )

This pattern is a quick and simple gift that looks great. I knit one for myself, and my friend loved it so much she asked for one. With a few alterations from my original headband, I've created a great-looking accessory that knits up in a few hours!

Size:
One size fits all

Supplies:
+ US 6 straight needles
+ 2 US 6 dpns
+ Any DK weight yarn in four colors: MC, CC1, CC2, and CC3
+ Plastic yarn needle
+ A funky button with holes large enough for your yarn needle to pass through

Pattern:
With MC and dpns, CO 3 sts. Work in I-cord for 8 in.

Switch to straight needles.

Increase rows:
Row 1: K1, M1, K1. 4 sts.
Row 2: P.
Row 3. K1, M1, M1, K1. 6 sts.
Row 4: P.
Row 5: K1, M1, K2, M1, K1. 8 sts.
Row 6: P.
Row 7: K1, M1, K4, M1, K1. 10 sts.
Row 8. P.
Row 9: K1, M1, K6, M1, K1. 12 sts.
Row 10: P.

Work in St st for 10 in. End with RS row facing.

Decrease rows:
Row 1: K1, k2tog, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
Row 2: P.
Row 3: K1, k2tog, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
Row 4: P.
Row 5: K1, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
Row 6: P.
Row 7: K1, k2tog, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
Row 8. P.
Row 9: k1, k2tog, K1. 3 sts.
Row 10: P.

Switch to dpns, and work in I-cord for 8 in. BO.

The headband will roll up, but it's a good thing. Just let it be. Do not block.

5 petaled flower (make 1):
With CC1 and straight needles, CO 42 sts.
Row 1: K.
Row 2: P.
Row 3: K1, *K1, slip knitted st to left needle. Lift next 5 sts up and over slipped st. K slipped st. Repeat from * to last st, K1. 8 sts.
Row 4: P.
Row 5: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k2tog. 5 sts.
Row 6. P.

Use yarn needle to pull yarn through rem sts. Stitch up flower.

5 petaled rimmed flower (make 1):
With CC2 and straight needles, CO 42 sts.
Row 1: K.
Row 2: Switch to CC3. P.
Row 3: K1, *K1, slip knitted st to left needle. Lift next 5 sts up and over slipped st. K slipped st. Repeat from * to last st, K1. 8 sts.
Row 4: P.
Row 5: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k2tog. 5 sts.
Row 6. P.

Use yarn needle to pull yarn through rem sts. Stitch up flower.

Finishing:
Using yarn needle, firmly attach both flowers to the headband, approx. 4 in from the increase rows. Using CC2, attach button in middle of rimmed flower.

Remember how I said the headband would roll up? Let it roll, covering the sts used to attach flower and button. Using a whip st and MC, sew headband where it naturally closes.

Weave in ends, and enjoy.

Welcome to my blog! Before you move on to my projects, you need to know a little bit about me.

I'm a 20-year-old nursing student from Raleigh, NC. I started knitting in high school, as a way to create my own fashions. However, I struggled with the idea, and after making a few scarves, quit.

Just this year, I have started knitting again. I'd like to broaden my oh-so-narrow horizons of knitting, going from simple scarves to hats, clothing, and even Christmas stockings.