I’m SO excited for the Summer Stitchin’ collection release with Jill Wolcott and Orchard House Editing and Design! When we began the collection last year it was about quick knits that tame the mane, so my challenge was clear – KISS!! Those of you who’ve knit with me before know that KISS is a my biggest challenge ever. I’m thrilled to have figured out how to keep them both seamless and quick.
But… I also had dreams of customizations! So, this blog serves as an addendum to the patterns that walks you through how to customize the fit. Note: both of these will require a bit extra yarn!
First up: Pollinator
Depending on the shape of your head / hair type, you may find you need a little help to keep it in place. Some testers (me included) needed a little aid; other wears found their head and hair type kept it in place without help. The easiest solution is bobby pins, but you can also stitch in a solution with a short row round. This little addition acts much like a headband and pushes the I-cord tie forward without adding the same amount of depth to the underside of the head cowl.
To work this customization:
- After the mock 3 needle bind off lay piece flat on a table with the bind off in the center. Place locking stitch markers at the half-way points (so ¼ and ¾ of the way around).
- At the end of I-cord Top Loop, CO 4 sts (instead of 10), placing markers after first and before last st.
- Pattern to first locking stitch marker –
Row 1: k1, sm, k2, sm, ssk*.
Row 2: s1, sm, p2, sm, s1.
Remove first locking stitch marker - Increase –
Row 1: k1, sm, kfb, k1, sm, ssk*.
Row 2: s1, sm, p to m, sm, s1.
Repeat Rows 1-2, 6 times. (11 sts; 14 rows) - From second locking stitch marker, count back 14 rows and place locking stitch marker.
- Work your choice of StSt, Butterfly Lace Right, Butterfly Lace Left, and/ or Flower Lace, in the rows until your hit the next locking stitch marker. (Note: this will vary greatly by size knit. To place your pattern nicely, count the number of rows available and select based on that information.
- Decrease –
Row 1: k1, sm, k2tog, k to m, sm, ssk*.
Row 2: s1, sm, p to m, sm, s1.
repeat Rows 1-2, 6 times (4 sts; 14 rows) - Pattern to join –
Row 1: k1, sm, k2, sm, ssk*.
Row 2: s1, sm, p2, sm, s1.
At the end of the loop, resume following the pattern from I-cord Top Loop “with wrong side facing” direction and continue in pattern as written to the end.
Next Up: Patio Bandanna
Again depending on head shape / hair type, you may need a little aid keeping it in place. Like with Pollinator some testers did and some didn’t. (I did). Also like Pollinator, bobby pins are the easiest solution, but one can be “knit in” with short rows. The short rows push the I-cord from straight across to a convex curved shape.
- After finishing the Increase Pattern before adding the I-cord, work a short row section.
- Place WIP on your head and mark each side above your ears with locking stitch markers, place the left ear marker between a s1yo and a bark and the right ear marker between a brk and a s1yo.
- Count 6 stitches towards the center and place locking stitch markers. After the new ones are placed, remove the originals.
- Short Row Pattern –
SR 1 (rs): k3, sm, brk, (s1yo, brk) to 1 st before m, wt,
SR 2 (ws): work in pattern to 1 st before next m, wt,
SR 3 (rs): work in pattern to 6 sts before previous wt, wt,
SR 4(ws): work in pattern to 6 sts before previous wt, wt
SR 5: picking up wraps as you come to them, work in pattern as established to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 6: s3, sm, picking up wraps as you come to them, work in pattern as established to last 3 sts, s3.
- Resume pattern at “Break yarn” in Body section.
Happy knitting & taming your mane this summer!