The R&R beret

Here it is... the R&R beret to commemorate my weekend of rest and relaxation with Rhinebeck and Ravelry. Made in a similar style to my Pumkinhead Hats, this hat is a beret style hat but with a simple texture pattern to highlight any cool variegated worsted weight yarn. It is knit flat and seamed.




The R&R Beret
by Sauniell N. Connally
copyright 2007
For non-commercial use only

Yarn: Manos del Uruguary (3.5oz/ 100grams, 138 yds/ 126 meters) - 1 skein
Color shown: #113 Wildflower

Needles: US 6 (4.00 mm) straights, US 8 (5mm) straights
Supplies: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 sts/24 rows per 4in/10cm in simple seed stitch pattern

Size: One size fits most
Skill Level: Beginner



Simple Seed Stitch Pattern
Row 1: *(k1, p1) , repeating from *
Row 3: *(p1, k1), repeating from *
Row 2 & 4: purl all sts



Pattern:

Using US 6 (4.00 mm) needles, cast on 78 sts.
Row 1: k1, *k2, p2, repeating from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: p1, *k2,p2, repeating from * to last st, p1.
Repeat the last 2 rows twice.

Next RS row: Switching to the US 8 needle, k1,*k2,m1, repeating from * to last st, k1. (116 sts)
Next row: purl all sts.

Next row: k1, and begin row 1 of the simple seed stitch pattern to the last st, k1.
Continue on, working the stitch pattern until the hat measures 4 inches from the ribbing.

Next RS row: work 2o sts, pm, *work 19, pm, repeating from * 3 times, work 20 sts. Work WS row in pattern.
Next RS row (right decreases): k1, skp, * work to next marker, slm, skp , repeating from * 4 times, then work to the end. Work one row in pattern. (110 sts)
Next RS row (left decreases): *work to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, repeating from * 4 times, then working to the last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (104 sts)
Repeat the last 4 rows once. (92 sts)

Next RS row: work row making right and left decreases at row beg, end, and markers as done in the rows above. (80 sts)
Repeat in this manner on every RS row until there are 5 sts between each marker.
Next RS row: work row making right decreases. (26 sts)

Cut a long tail and using a tapestry needle, string tail through the loose stitches and tighten and secure. Block hat and seam side.


Glossary
m1 - make one k2tog - knit two together
pm - place marker skp - slip st, k1, pass slipped stitch over
slm - slip marker RS - right side

The R & R review

My trip to Rhinebeck was a bittersweet one. There were only a few weaving looms but not enough to make a good, confident purchase so I left without the main thing I came for. On the upside I did get something that made up for it.

Since I've been so busy with school I haven't had time to spend on Ravelry or notice how much the site has really taken off and taken over so many people's lives. On the way to Rhinebeck, Shameka informed me of that there was a Ravelry meetup and a party on Saturday. I couldn't have imagined the crazy, fun, insanity of it all.


There were hundreds & hundreds of Ravelry folks.



And the party was even more fun. I meet so many people and saw so many great projects. The party was sponsored by Blue Moon Fibers, Berrocco, and the Loopy Ewe. There were some great prizes, which I didn't win, but I did get a few Soak samples.


I shall now leave you with some pics of the pretty (but stinky) sheep and goats. I'm going to post the pattern for the hat I made for the trip which I'm going to name the R&R hat (Rhinebeck & Ravelry). Some people asked me about it while I was there and I've decided to commemorate the weekend with a free hat pattern. It should be up tonight or tomorrow night at the latest.

Ready for the weekend

The pace here at Chez Saun has become more manageable. I'm getting used to the pace of my classes and learning to manage the assignments better. It's still busy but I'm learning to schedule time to relax.

Last weekend I met up with a new friend that I made through my previous gig at that knit shop. She's a cool chick who is a knitting savant. She's only been knitting a few months and she's made hats, scarves, and even this really long hooded sweater coat. We met up to see the other shops in the area and find her some yarn for her next sweater. We started at Downtown yarns in the Lower East Side and then went to Purl in Soho. Both stores are really cool and have a nice vibe. Downtown Yarns has really reasonable prices for NYC given that everything in city is usually marked up 1000% to account for the high rents. Purl is a nice store, I just wish it was a bigger space. I tried not to buy anything but I couldn't resist a small purchase.


Some Dale of Norway Stork for project swatching, the latest Rebecca magazine, and a skein of Manos in the loveliest colorway. The Manos is going to be for a hat that will be my Rhinebeck car project. Just a nice and simple slouch hat that I've wanted to add to my wardrobe.

I'm excited to head to Rhinebeck this weekend for the Sheep and Wool Festival. I only want to buy a small weaving loom and some yarn for the loom. I really looking forward to just getting out of the city and being around a whole bunch of colorful fiber. Hopefully the weather will hold up and make it a wonderful weekend. If you are going and you see me there, be sure to say hi.

Why is it.....

How is it that when I am sitting somewhere knitting with my face down and my Ipod on, someone always wants to talk to me? I thought head down and earphones on was the universal sign for leave me alone. And why do they always interrupt with that silly "Can you make me something?" line. Was it really worth interrupting me for that? I have to put down my knitting to take out my earphones just to hear them repeat an obviously dumb question, when the obvious answer is "no"(i do try to be more polite about it though). Then they look at me like I'm supposed to say something else. From now on I'm going to answer that question with the "Are you serious-I don't know you-why would I make you something- are you gonna pay me-why did you interrupt me for that- get a better opening line-you're stupid" face.


I'm trying to finish my last book project between classes and one of the security guards decides to interrupt me with that nonsense. Can you tell how much that irritated me?