33. Cheery Knit Cap

Learn To Knit

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner

SIZE: Small, Large

Circumference 13 (16) inches [33 (40.5) cm] Note: Hat is very stretchy.
Note: Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

MATERIALS

220-213 Fancy Fur: Rainbow Red 1 Skein
Lion Brand Knitting Needles- Size 13 [9 mm]
Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6)

GAUGE:

10 stitches + 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch (straight needles: knit on right side, purl on wrong side) (double-pointed needles: knit every round). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.

Double-Pointed Needle Hat

Cast on 32 (40) stitches onto 3 or 4 needles. Join and knit every round (stockinette stitch) until hat measures 6 (7) inches from beginning.
Begin crown shaping as follows:
Round 1 *Knit 6 (8), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 28 (36) stitches.
Round 2 Knit.
Round 3 *Knit 5 (7), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 24 (32) stitches.
Round 4 Knit.
Round 5 *Knit 4 (6), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 20 (28) stitches.
Round 6 *Knit 3 (5), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 16 (24) stitches.
Round 7 *Knit 2 (4), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 12 (20) stitches.
Round 8 *Knit 1 (3), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 8 (16) stitches.

(Large size only) Next Round *Knit 2, knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 12 stitches.

Next Round *Knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 4 (6) stitches.
Next Round *Knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 2 (3) stitches.
Knit 2 (3) together. Fasten off.
Cut yarn. Draw yarn tail through last remaining stitch using large-eyed, blunt needle and tighten. Weave in ends.

Straight needle Hat

Cast on 32 (40) stitches. Knit 1 row, then purl 1 row (stockinette stitch), until Hat measures 6 (7) inches from beginning.
Begin crown shaping as follows:
Row 1 *Knit 6 (8), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 28 (36) stitches.
Row 2 Purl.
Row 3 *Knit 5 (7), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 24 (32) stitches.
Row 4 Purl.
Row 5 *Knit 4 (6), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 20 (28) stitches.
Row 6 *Purl 2 together, purl 3 (5); repeat from the * to end – 16 (24) stitches.
Row 7 *Knit 2 (4), knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 12 (20) stitches.
Row 8 *Purl 2 together, purl 1 (3); repeat from the * to end – 8 (16) stitches.

(Large size only) Next Row *Knit 2, knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 12 stitches. Purl 1 row.

Next Row *Knit 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 4 (6) stitches.
Next Row *Purl 2 together; repeat from the * to end – 2 (3) stitches.
Knit 2 (3) together. Fasten off.

Cut yarn. Draw yarn tail through last remaining stitch using large-eyed, blunt needle and tighten. Cut yarn. Sew back Hat seam. Weave in ends.

Download Instructions [PDF]

Source: Lionbrand Yarn

32. Carousel Knit Cap

Learn to Knit

CAROUSEL HAT

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

MATERIALS

620-177 Wool-Ease®: Loden 1 Skein - (A)
620-171 Wool-Ease: Gold 1 Skein - (B)
620-137 Wool-Ease: Fuchsia 1 Skein - (C)
620-179 Wool-Ease®: Chestnut Heather 1 Skein - (D)
Lion Brand Knitting Needles- Size 8 [5 mm]
Lion Brand Crochet Hook - Size H-8
Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6)

SIZE: Small, Medium, Large

20" (21", 22") [51 (53.5, 56) cm] circumference x 7½" (7¾ inches, 8") [19 (19.5, 20.5) cm] depth
Note: Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

GAUGE:

18 stitches + 36 rows = 4" (10 cm) over garter stitch (knit every row). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.

NOTES:

When working Stripe Pattern 1, carry colors up along the side edge until the last stripe is completed, then cut all but color A.
When working Stripe Pattern 2, carry color up along the side edge until the last stripe of that color is completed, then cut color.
Join new colors as needed.

HAT

With A, cast on 85 (89, 93) stitches.

Brim

Knit 1 row and mark as wrong side. Continue in garter stitch and Stripe Pattern 1 as follows: *Work 2 rows each using B, C, D, and A; repeat from * once more. Cut all colors except A.

Body

Knit 5 (7, 9) more rows using A. Note What was the wrong side of the brim is now the right side of body. Continue in garter stitch and work Stripe Pattern 2 as follows: 2 rows B, 2 rows A, 6 rows B, 2 rows C, 2 rows B, 6 rows C, 2 rows D, 2 rows C, 6 rows D, 2 rows A, 2 rows D and 6 rows A.

Crown Shaping

Repeat start of Stripe Pattern 2 and, AT SAME TIME, shape crown as follows:
Row 1 (Right Side) *Knit 19 (20, 21), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—81 (85, 89) stitches total.
Row 2 and all Wrong Side Rows Knit.
Row 3 *Knit 18 (19, 20), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—77 (81, 85) stitches total.
Row 5 *Knit 17 (18, 19), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—73 (77, 81) stitches total.
Row 7 *Knit 16 (17, 18), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—69 (73, 77) stitches total.
Row 9 *Knit 15 (16, 17), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—65 (69, 73) stitches total.
Row 11 *Knit 14 (15, 16), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—61 (65, 69) stitches total.
Row 13 *Knit 13 (14, 15), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—57 (61, 65) stitches total.
Row 15 *Knit 5 (4, 6), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—49 (51, 57) stitches total.
Row 17 *Knit 4 (5, 5), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—41 (41, 49) stitches total.
Row 19 *Knit 3 (3, 4), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—33 (33, 41) stitches total.
Row 21 *Knit 2 (2, 3), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—25 (25, 33) stitches total.
Row 23 *Knit 1 (1, 2), knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—17 (17, 25) stitches total.
Row 25 FOR SIZE LARGE ONLY *Knit 1, knit 2 together; repeat from *, ending knit 1—17 stitches total.
Rows 25 (25, 27) [Knit 2 together] 8 times, knit 1—9 stitches total. Cut yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread tail into large-eyed, blunt needle and weave through remaining stitches. Pull tight to gather, fasten securely. Sew back seam, reversing seam for brim so seam falls to wrong side.

Finishing

Position hat so the right side of brim is facing and the cast-on edge is at the top. With crochet hook, join A with a slip stitch in the back seam, *chain 4 for trim, work 4 half double crochet in the 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch in the next 2 chain, then slip stitch in the same stitch as the slip stitch at the base of trim, slip stitch in the next 3 stitches of the cast-on edge; repeat from * around. Join round with a slip stitch in the first slip stitch. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Download Instructions [PDF]

(you'll need to set up a free account in order to access the free patterns)

Source: Lion Brand Yarn

For more knitting fun:

Stitch N Bitch The Knitters Handbook
by Debbie StollerTrade Paperback

31. Bookplates

There are lots of places online with free downloadable bookplates, including:

1. For the Child in all of us, there's Bookplates from My Home Library.
2. From The DIY Librarian
3. From Besotted Blog
4. From RedBubble

30. Button Clock

MATERIALS

Round cookie-tin lid
Awl
Nail set
Dial template
12 buttons in various sizes, shapes, and colors
Multipurpose cement
Clock movement

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Poke a hole through the center of the lid with an awl. Using a nail set, widen the hole to accommodate the shaft.
2. Refer to the dial template to position the button hour markers. Affix buttons with multipurpose cement. To assemble mechanism, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Source MarthaStewart.com

Want more Martha Stewart crafts? Why not check out her encyclopedia of crafts:

Martha Stewarts Encyclopedia of Crafts An A To Z Guide with Detailed Instructions & Endless Inspiration
by Luke Brock (Hardcover)

29. Fortune Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 egg white
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar

12 small strips of paper (approx. 1/2 in x 4 in), with hand written fortunes
A glass jar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a cookie sheet. Write fortunes on strips of paper about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Generously grease 2 cookie sheets.
2. Mix the egg white and vanilla until foamy but not stiff. Sift the flour, salt, and sugar and blend into the egg white mixture.
3. Place teaspoonfuls of the batter at least 4 inches apart on one of the prepared cookie sheets. Tilt the sheet to move the batter into round shapes about 3 inches in diameter. Be careful to make batter as round and even as possible. Do not make too many, because the cookie have to be really hot to form them and once they cool it is too late. Start with 2 or 3 to a sheet and see how many you can do.
4. Bake for 5 minutes or until cookie has turned a golden color 1/2 inch wide around the outer edge of the circle. The center will remain pale. While one sheet is baking, prepare the other.
5. Remove from oven and quickly move cookie with a wide spatula and place upside down on a wooden board. Quickly place the fortune on the cookie, close to the middle and fold the cookie in half. Place the folded edge across the rim of a measuring cup and pull the pointed edges down, one on the inside of the cup and one on the outside. Place folded cookies into the cups of a muffin tin or egg carton to hold their shape until firm.
   
   Once you've made the cookies, place as many as you like into a glass jar, seal it, and affix a handmade label on the front.

Sources Allrecipes.com

28. "Little Treasures" Gift Box

MATERIAL

2 8x8 squares of fabric (your choice of colors)
2 8x8 squares of fusible web
1 8x8 square pellon
straight pins
parchment paper or Teflon sheet
Iron & Ironing board
freezer paper
scissors
Rotary cutter (optional)
Fray Check
Sewing machine
embellishments of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Select 2 fabrics, 1 for the outside of your box and 1 for the lining, and cut an 8" x 8" square of each. You can use fabrics that you have altered with paint or dye, or select commercial fabrics.
2. Cut two 8" x 8" squares of fusible web and one 8" x 8" piece of Pellon.
3. Make a sandwich of the 5 pieces: first, put down the lining fabric, wrong side up, then add a piece of fusible web, then the Pellon, another piece of fusible web, and finally the fabric for the outside of your box, right-side up.
4. Place a piece of parchment paper or a Teflon sheet on your ironing board to protect it from the fusible web, put the fabric sandwich on top of it, and place another sheet of parchment on top of the sandwich to protect your iron. Following the directions for the fusible web, iron your fabric sandwich until all layers adhere. You will probably need to press one side and then flip the fabric sandwich over and press the other side.
5. Trace the pattern of the box onto the dull side of the freezer paper and cut it out.
6. Iron the freezer paper pattern (shiny side down) onto the fabric sandwich and cut out your box. Cut carefully - this step will make the difference between an elegant piece of art and a misshapen little box. (An 18mm rotary cutter may be helpful to cut the sides of each slit and embroidery scissors to cut the ends of the slits.)
7. Sew close to all of the raw edges, including the slits. (I found that a straight stitch caused less fraying than a zigzag stitch.)
8. Put Fray Check on the raw edges of the "knobs" at the top of the box because they get a lot of use and tend to fray.
9. If desired, use a foam brush to paint the edges of the box with fabric paint to cover any white from the Pellon or fusible web that may show. Using a metallic bronze, gold, or copper acrylic paint will give your box a "gilded" look.
10. Embellish, as desired. Create designs and interest with piping, bobbin work, Swarovski crystals, beads, braid, sequins, glitter paint, and more. Remember that whatever you sew on the front will show up on the lining.
11. To construct the box, pull the 2 swirl-shaped petals together. Holding them with one hand, bring one of the petals with a slit up and over the top of the swirl petals. Last, bring the other slit petal up and over the other three petals.

Source Quilting Arts Magazine

For more quilting fun:

Fabulous Fabric Art with Lutradurr For Quilting Papercrafts Mixed Media Art 27 Techniques & 14 Projects Revolutionize Your Craft Experience
by Diana HillTrade Paperback

27. Tea Gift Basket

If you have a friend that enjoys tea, this is a fun and easy gift to assemble:

MATERIALS

a pair of tea cups with saucers

(these are prolific at thrift stores, and usually fairly inexpensive - the saucers are optional)

a small basket (big enough for the two tea cups)
2-3 tea bags per cup

(you don't have to include the entire box of tea)

Tea Bag envelopes [courtesy of Marilyn Scott Waters]

They can be printed out in Red & Blue or Pink & Green

Demerara (raw sugar) cubes or Honey sticks
Cellophane (not plastic wrap)
Tea Biscuits (recipe follows)
raffia or ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. print the Tea Bag envelopes, cut them out and assemble
2. insert tea bags into envelopes & place in tea cups
3. assemble everything in the basket
4. place basket on unrolled cellophane
5. cut a piece of cellophane large enough to gather around the basket
6. tie raffia or ribbon around the top of the cellophane.
   
   note: if you like you can assemble ingredients into the tea cups and wrap them with cellophane (& do without the basket)

TEA BISCUIT RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

4 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 c. oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. orange juice
1/4 lb. butter, softened
Sugar



1. Preheat oven to 375º
2. Sift the first 4 ingredients together onto a piece of wax paper.
3. Make a well in the center with walls high enough to contain the liquid ingredients;
4. add eggs, oil, vanilla, and orange juice.
5. Knead dough very lightly for a few seconds on a lightly floured board.
6. Pat the dough gently and cut the dough with a floured cutter.
7. Place biscuits on a greased cookie sheet.
8. Bake at 375º F for 15-20 minutes. The tea biscuits should rise and be lightly brown in color.
9. When done, and still warm, sprinkle tops with sugar.


Recipe Source: Cooks.com

And for more fun gifts:

Gifts In A Jar Holiday Fun
by Sarah Givins (Spiral/Comb)