I think everyone in the knitting universe has already seen this very cute, very easy to knit, berry hat. I was running around town to my local yarn shops to find just the right purple and green combo in cotton with a touch of acrylic when one of the sales ladies asked me what I was looking for. A bit sheepish I told her that I was planning to make that “oh-so-popular berry hat.” She said, “oh, like this one” and reached over to the one on the display. Although she couldn’t help me out in the colorway department, with my cheeks burning a bit pinker, I just knew she could see right through my thin veil of nonchalance to clearly peer my novice little knitting fingers.

But anyway, this cute head covering knits up super quickly, even for a beginner knitter. And you can find the pattern here, if you are so inclined to knit up your own. (Apologies about these weird pictures, it was a cloudy day, *sigh*.)

These are super warm leg warmers in Manos del Uruguay handspun kettle dyed pure wool. This simple pattern that also includes striped iterations is here. If you can make this out, inspired by the fabulous and hilariously funny Mason-Dixon Knitting team, I embroidered the recipient’s name on the front in a chain stitch.

My last trip to the library, I picked up their book Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines. My embroidery here is patterned after their super cool Mystery Sweater titled the Margaret. (Actually, a wonderfully talented designer by the name of Mary Neal Meador created this fantastic sweater.) See all that wonderfully cool patterning on the front of this sweater? A chain-stitched secret passage! I so want to make this one…

This one is a hurricane hat I found on SouleMama, which she found from String in Motion.

 And yes, I am a beginner knitter. You need to know four stitches to be able to make this hat. Okay, you need to know four stitches and how to count to make this hat. The beginner knitter part came out when we figured out that the hat just fits. As, in no room for growth, and it could be a bit bigger. Anyway, I used 100% wool, worsted weight. 13sts= 4″ and I started with 50 co sts and attached a pompom to top it off. If you are are a beginner, and need a warm hat, and want to make something with a little style, try this one. I actually knit this up in less than one day.

Finished this baby in just a day actually. (After I picked up the wrong needles because two small kids were distracting me, and then I had to go exchange them in the rain.) I am very happy with the way it turned out. I used this pattern from Lydia McNeil’s blog, Dropped a Stitch. But I started with 70 cast-on stitches at 16sts = 4″, and then did an extra row at the end of k1, k2tog before tying off. (That would be knit one, knit two together.)

If you are a way beginner knitter, like I am, and need a nice warm wool hat, give this one a go. Because you use worsted weight, yarn which is thicker, and a circular knitting needle, this project knits up very quickly! On to the next project! Keep warm.

So, I decided to step off the deep end and actually try to knit something useful. Socks. I decided we all needed wool socks. We live in a small town home that was built…well…let’s just say a while ago…when energy efficiency was like, what’s that??? So, we walk around during the winter with two layers on and socks and slippers on our cold tootsies. So, why not wear some soft cozy woolen socks? Wool is stretchy, but not too stretchy, breathable, and wicks away moisture that can leave your skin feeling clammy. And, it is a natural, renewable fiber. So, we have a need, and a reason to love wool.

Now, to be able to actually create these stockings…well, being a relative beginner, I am researching, researching, and researching for a beginner pattern and what yarn is best for knitting socks. What I have discovered so far:

• Sock patterns call for sport-weight wool. What is this? Look at the information on the packaging. Sport-weight, or sock-weight yarn is thinner, or finer, than the typical worsted weight yarn you might use to make a blanket or thicker sweater. Look for a #1, super fine, description. And you will want to use smaller needles, like size 1-3 for this finer knitting.
• Look carefully for 100% wool yarn. Most wool yarns are a blend that usually includes some polyester. I suppose this strengthens the wool, and improves wash-ability and wear-ability. But I am still on the market for 100% wool in neutral colors, being the perfectionist I am.
• Knitting in a circle is both not difficult and very difficult. I find the knitting stitches are close to the end of the needle and are easy to manipulate and slip off . Since they easily slip off the end, they slip off the end and it is easy to drop a stitch. It take a bit to get used to holding a triangle of double pointed needles too. But, the triangle actually give you something to hold onto. Hard to explain, but if you are a beginner knitter attempting socks, you’ll get what I mean.
• It is helpful to make two socks at the same time. Simply start two socks on different needles, and then you will avoid facing the daunting task of making ANOTHER sock, and your socks will come out even.
• I think I can do this. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful yarn store near by my home, with a host of wonderful ladies eager to answer any knitting question you many have. I may be calling.

If you would like to take a peek at some wonderfully luxurious yarns, check out Purl Soho…dreaming, dreaming.

Off to knit in between sewing my Warm Window shades to keep the cold out. So, what are you making to prepare for winter?