santa hat pattern

SANTA HAT

THIS PATTERN IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED 
 ONLY FOR PERSONAL OR CHARITABLE USE
ITEMS KNITTED FROM THIS PATTERN CANNOT BE SOLD FOR PROFIT
 DO NOT REPRODUCE OR USE FOR ANY COMMERCIAL PURPOSE  

Hat will fit an average size adult head. Dimensions of hat are 18 ins / 46 cm, but will stretch a few inches.

ABBREVIATIONS 
rd(s): round(s)
st(s): stitch(es)
k: knit
p: purl
tog: together
rep: repeat

MATERIALS 
four dpns size 6.5mm  (US 10.5)
stitch marker
red chunky / bulky / 12ply
white chunky / bulky / 12ply
white dk / 8ply  for tassel

Cast on 72 sts in white chunky yarn, divide between three needles (24, 24, 24), join in the rd and place st marker.

Rds 1–8: (k2, p2) rep to end of rd.

Change to red chunky yarn.

Continue with k until work measure 4.5 ins / 11.5 cms from cast on edge.

Next rd: (k10, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (66 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k9, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (60 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k8, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (54 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k7, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (48 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k6, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (42 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k5, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (36 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k4, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (30 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k3, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (24 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k2, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (18 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k1, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (12 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Next rd: (k2tog) rep to end of rd  (6 sts).

Next 3 rds: k.

Break yarn thread unto a needle and then through the 6 sts, pull tight and fasten off.

To make the tassel
Cut a piece of cardboard 4 inches by 3 inches. If you prefer a longer tassel then cut a longer piece of card, the length of the card determines the length of the tassel. Wind the white dk yarn around the cardboard approximately 30 times.

Using a long piece of white yarn, thread through the top and tie in a knot. These two yarn ends will be used to attach to the hat.

Remove yarn from card and wrap a length of yarn, a couple of times round the tassel about an inch from the top. Secure with a knot.

    

Loose the two yarn ends in the top of the tassel.

Trim the ends of the tassel and attach to the hat.

OTHER IDEAS FOR DECORATING THE HAT

Add a pompom.

Decorate with bells, beads or buttons and felt holly leaves. Add a knitted piece of mistletoe...the pattern is available in my blog click here

copyright Alison Hogg 2018

dog ball pattern

In an attempt to use up leftover yarn, I decided to knit some toys for my dog. Nice and soft for playing indoors and because they are felted a bit more durable.
Here is the pattern, perhaps more suitable for a smallish dog.

DOG BALL

THIS PATTERN IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED ONLY FOR PERSONAL OF CHARITABLE USE
ITEMS KNITTED FROM THIS PATTERN CANNOT BE SOLD FOR PROFIT
DO NOT REPRODUCE OR USE FOR ANY COMMERCIAL USE 

Approximate dimensions - 18cms diameter, finished size will depend on the 
intensity of felting.

ALL PLAY MUST BE SUPERVISED - BALL DOES CONTAIN TOY STUFFING

MATERIALS 

Wash+ Filz -it! wool (not the fine type)

four 6.5 mm (US 10.5) dpns

small squeak

polyester toy stuffing

stitch marker

tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS 
rd – round
rep - repeat
k- knit
st(s) – stitch(es)
kfb –  increase, knit front and back
M1 – increase, make one
k2tog – decrease, knit two together

INSTRUCTIONS 
Cast on 8 sts, leaving a long yarn tail.
Divide between three needles (2, 2, 4), join in the rd and place stitch marker.
Rd 1: (kfb) rep to end of rd  (16 sts).
Rd 2: k.
Rd 3: (k2, M1) rep to end of rd  (24 sts).
Rd 4: k.
Rd 5: (k3, M1) rep to end of rd  (32 sts).
Rds 6 – 8: k three rds, change yarn if knitting two tone ball.
Rds 9 – 11: k three rds.
Rd 12: (k2, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (24 sts).
Rd 13: k.
Rd 14: (k1, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (16 sts).
Rd 15: k.
Stuff inside ball and insert squeak.
Rd 16: (k2tog) rep to end of rd  (8 sts).
Add a little more stuffing. Break yarn and with tapestry needle, thread the yarn 
end through the stitches on the three knitting needles. Pull tight, secure with few stitches and loose yarn inside ball. 

With the yarn tail at the cast on edge to close the opening. Sew small running
stitches round the edge, pull tight, secure and loose yarn inside ball.

TO FELT 
Felting is done in the washing machine.
I used a cotton cycle to felt.

With the balls use washing powder, a squirt of washing up liquid and an old towel or pair of jeans.
If using more than one colour of yarn use a colour catcher sheet, put inside a mesh bag.
After going through the cycle, if the balls aren’t felted enough put them in again for another wash.
When they come out push and massage into shape.

copyright Alison Hogg 2018

snuffle mat

My new years resolution should have been, post more regularly on my blog. Well here goes, I'm following the dog Santa hat with another dog related craft. This time its a snuffle mat, made from fleece strips and and rubber doormat with holes.
Obo likes to "help" and here he is assisting me sort out the fabric....

I used to love working on the floor but this is no longer and option. The making of the snuffle mat couldn't be easier no sewing required and I followed a tutorial on you tube, for the link click here.
I cut the fleece into strips of 2.5inches by 10inches approximately.

I threaded the strips through adjacent holes along the first row and then diagonally on the second row. All you do is thread them through and knot, easy peasy, its all in the tutorial.

The reverse side shows this more clearly...

Voila my finished snuffle mat.....looks like a bit of modern art....

Our pup is a very food orientated dog and I know it will keep him busy, here we have him in action, snuffling.....

Now while he's occupied tonight, Ill be able to watch "A Stitch in Time" in peace, Great programme on BBC4.
It goes without saying that all play should be supervised!
Hopefully wont be long till I post again, Ali,