Hat of the Month- October

When you have a baby, it seems necessary to dress them in ridiculous outfits and hats because they are still small enough to allow you without moaning. My little pumpkin is no different. Knitters and crocheters seem to have the knack too of creating fabulous things you can't get on the high street. My friend has a brilliant boob hat for her breastfed daughter. I have a lovely berry hat knitted by a Rav friend. But it is October, month of autumn and of course Halloween. So it seemed right, if not necessary to create a pumpkin.

So here it is, with customary swirly leaf on top. It is such a cute little hat, and very easy to knit. It comes from the pattern, Pumpkin Hat by Jill Albert Allen, and I have knit it flat rather than the round it suggests, and I also used a rib pattern to make mine a bit more pumpkin-y (oh I do love to create a word- so glad I am back!!) The rib has also helped it to fit better, as my pumpkin seems to have a larger head than anticipated. Luckily I can get away with her wearing it for october because I am not sure it will fit for Halloween. Although she does look cute in it.

I used a basic acrylic for this pattern, I believe it was Robin DK, but the ball band is probably residing in the same place as my memory- if anyone finds it let me know. I tend to use the cheap acrylic for these patterns (shoot me!) simply because she will not wear it forever, I can shove it in the wash when it gets dribble, biscuit or any other baby stains on it, and I can afford it. She has so many lovely knits thanks to the odd ball bin at John Lewis, but most of the time it is baby acrylics and there is nothing wrong with that. I enjoyed knitting this one, the pattern was so simple and easy, and she has worn it pretty much every day since I finished it...except for the time I left it in the library!!!

She loves it, and keeps it on pretty much all the time, although she wouldn't want you all to think that...

Holidays are Coming

I have been pretty quiet of late, and this is because I have a project on the go. Not just a small daily project like normal, and not a project with a pattern I have found myself. This time it is my own pattern. All my own, from the deep recesses of the brain, and it is pretty epic, even if I do say so myself. And, it is nearly finished, all bar a couple of animals. I promise the pattern will be here soon, so watch this space and get those needles at the ready!

Ive also been knitting stockings. Lots of stockings. So here is a picture of my latest advent that I have knit, and I am really pleased with it, and never knitting another one. I have knit so many of these stockings that I have finally had enough.

It is also nearly Halloween!! Last year (and this year) I made some great decorations for christmas using card and recycled carrier bags. So this year, I decided to branch out into halloween versions as well. These Boo signs below are made from Sainsbury's Orange carrier bags and some leftover cardboard. They are great decorations and I love them.

Take care everyone, and keep knitting!!!

Mini Pumpkin for Halloween

Mini Pumpkin Pattern (Just in time for Halloween)

This pattern is knit flat and seamed up the back and is about an inch and a half tall without the little Icord stem. Have included the pattern for the stalk knit flat too

Ok so heres what you need
2 x 3.75 mm straight needles
2 x 3.25 mm double pointed needles or straight depending on whether you are icording or not
Orange and Green DK (you dont need much at all especially the green so great for stash busting)
Small amount of stuffing
Sewing up needles

Abbreviations
kfb- knit into the front and back of the stitch to create one
st- Stitch
st st - stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row)
K2tog - Knit two stitches together

Pumpkin

Cast on 9 stitches with orange DK and 3.75mm straight needles
Row 1: kfb in each st (18 sts)
Row 2: Purl
Row:3 kfb in all stitches (36 sts)
Starting with a P row, st st for 13 rows

Decrease as follows
Row 1: K2tog across row (18 sts)
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: K2tog across row (9 sts)
Row 6: Purl

Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight. Turn purl side out (bumpy side) and sew up the seam, leaving a  gap at the bottom. Turn right side out and stuff. Sew up gap in bottom. Pull the yarn up through the centre of the pumpkin and back down through. This will create the depressions at the top and bottom giving the pumpkin shape.

Stem

Icord

Cast on 4 sts on 3.25 double pointed needles and green DK
I cord for 6 rows
Cast off

Sew to top of pumpkin

Straight needles

Cast on 8 sts on 3.25 straight needles and green DK
St st for 6 rows
Cast off

With the right side out, sew up the side and attach to the top of the pumpkin

Happy Halloween, Samhain and All Saints to all!