Peargirl Knits: March 2010

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Goin' Be Kick Ass, Just Sleeves and A Hood Shrug

It is not often Alexandra gives me the opportunity to knit for her, so when she does, I really listen to what she wants. She loves to design clothing, and had very specific ideas in mind for this project. The best part is that she loves it now that it's finished and was anxious to wear it. And when it comes to knitting for others, that excitement is what we hope for but do not always see. And I think she looks beautiful in her "Just Sleeves and A Hood".

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Knitters For Peace...Make Hats, Not War!

As knitters knit the "World Peace Hat", I thought it would be interesting not only to see their hats all in one place, but also where everyone is from. After all, peace is on all of our minds all over the world. This beautiful version in pinks and purples was knit by Jenni from South Dakota.

This gorgeous version of the Peace Hat was knit by Adrienne in Gig Harbor, Washington, and is modeled by her beautiful daughter. The corrugated rib is a very pretty addition.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Give Peace A Chance

Peace in this world, is it possible? Spreading the message of peace is just one small way to show that you are against war, whether through a song with a powerful message, or knitting peace hats for yourself and others to wear. I am excited because I have knit this hat recently for my sister-in-law Sue who will be leaving soon for a visit to Ireland, and she wanted this hat to wear while there. So cool, my peace hat will travel to Ireland and make it's statement, however small.

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Gnomish Pattern

Paracelcus, a sixteenth century Swiss alchemist, considered gnomes to be the most important of the elemental spirits, representing the earth, specifically stone and minerals, and possessing the supernatural energies associated with these materials. They are often regarded as protectors of nature and animals. This hat is knit using Nature Spun Sport yarn, and the pattern is written for sizes 16" thru 24" head circumference. A colorful chart is included for the colorwork. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking the "Add To Cart" button below.

Firstborn Elvish Christmas Stockings

Elves were the Firstborn, the first of the races of the Children of Iluvatar, who awoke in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth a millennia before the Aftercomers. Distinguished from Men and Dwarves, they possessed near immortality. These Elvish Christmas stockings may become immortal as they are passed down from generation to generation becoming treasured heirlooms. The stockings are knit using heavy worsted yarn and measure approximately 18” from cuff to toe while hanging, with an 11" foot and a cuff that measures 13" acrosss. They knit up fairly quickly with no second sock syndrome. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Elvish Baby Booties

Elvish (Quenderin) is a word that refers to any of the languages of the Elves, or all of them collectively, in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle earth. I use the name to describe these booties for their Elvish quality, suitable for Elves and Human babies alike. This pattern has detailed instructions for 2 sizes: Small (Large), Length: 4 (5)", Circumference: 4.5 (5.5)", and includes a chart as well as written instructions for the leaves that adorn the cuff. The pattern is availavle for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Nightshade Gnome Hat

Gnomes are mostly peaceful beings ~ 7 times stronger than a man and have better eyesight than a hawk. Averaging only 15 centimeters tall, and living on a vegetarian diet, I like to imagine them fashioning hats from the very food they eat. The Nightshade family includes Peppers and Eggplant…knit this hat in red, yellow or green for a Hot Pepper hat or knit it in a deep purple for an Eggplant hat. Knit in the round from the top down in heavy worsted, the Nightshade Gnome Hat knits up quickly in one piece and the twisted pyramid rib pattern for the cuff adds a beautiful embossed texture. The pattern includes detailed instructions for 3 sizes ~ 16-18", 18-20" and 20-22" head circumference. It is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add To Cart Button" below.

Two Rabbit's Pantheon of Bunnies

In Aztec mythology, a pantheon of four hundred rabbit gods known as Centzon Totochtin, led by Ometotchtli or Two Rabbit, represented fertility, parties, and drunkenness. While I really don’t want rabbits to find their way into my garden, it’s fun to imagine them having a wild party in the garden by the light of the moon while the world sleeps. There are 6 different bunnies ~ Eggplant Blossom, Black-Eyed Susan, Carrot Top, Daylily, Red Hot Chili Pepper, and Bartlett Pear, each made unique by their garden hats and clothing. The bunny is knit in one piece, the arms, legs and hat are attached afterward. Mix and match hats and outfits for your own unique garden variety. The pattern for all 6 bunnies is available for $15.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below. Or scroll down further to purchase the individual bunny patterns for $5.00 each.

Titania's Flower Fairies

According to Cicely Mary Barker, Flower Fairies are tiny creatures that live in gardens, grassy meadows, and on the edge of distant marshes. When a seed sprouts, a Flower Fairy baby is born, living in their chosen flower. As the flower grows, the fairy grows too. Each is in charge of looking after their flower or plant, keeping it strong and healthy by making sure it has plenty of sunshine and water, sweeping away dead leaves, and polishing flowers and stems. The Flower Fairies are named for Titania, the Queen of the Fairies in medieval folklore. They are knit in one piece, except for the arms, legs and wings. Using small amounts of any worsted yarn, it is a great way to use up your stash. The Flower Fairies included in the collection are Daffodil, Fuscia, Canterbury Bells, Chocolate Dahlia and Daylily. All 5 are offered together in one pattern for $20.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below, or they may be purchased individually for $5.00 each.

Just Sleeves and A Hood Shrug

Enchanted Arrows Hat

The Enchanted Arrows circling this hat receive their magic from the bolts of lightning zigzagging their way down from the crown. I fell in love with a cowl design from Madeline Tosh called Arrow that I saw on Ravelry. I envisioned a hat, with the arrows getting smaller and smaller while shaping the crown. As the lines got closer together and the arrows got smaller, the result was lightning bolts and enchanted arrows. The hat is sized for 19-21" and 21-23" head circumference, using dk weight yarn. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Ophidian's Infinity Scarf

Stained Glass Fretwork Hat

Meanders are common decorative elements in Greek and Roman art, also known as the Greek Fret or Greek Key design. Meander, meaning to twist and turn, is named after the River Meander, now called Büyük Menderes River, in South Western Turkey. Common in architecture and pottery, these were among the most important symbols in ancient Greece, perhaps symbolizing infinity and unity. An easy knit in worsted yarn, the colorwork is done with slipped stitches, using only one color at a time, changing color at the end of a round. The pattern is sized for 20, 21, or 22" head circumference. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Seventh Wave Hat

Folklore predicts that out of a certain number of waves, one will be much larger than the rest ~"every seventh wave" is one common belief that has entered popular culture through music and literature. This hat begins with a wavy rib reminiscent of seaweed being pushed below an undercurrent of small waves, and 6 larger waves breaking the surface above. With detailed instructions for 2 sizes, 21-22" and 22-23" head circumference, and a colorful chart, this hat pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking the 'Add to Cart' button below.

Willow Moon Scarf

The Willow is the tree most associated with the moon, water, the Goddess and all that is feminine. It is the tree of dreaming, intuition and deep emotions, symbolizing the beginning of spring, when all of life is stirring below and begins to shoot outwards once again. The beautiful Willow Leaf edging, combined with Linen Stitch, gives the scarf a gentle curve because of the difference in gauge, reminiscent of a crescent Moon. The scarf measures 5.5” wide x 55” long, and knits up very quickly using Malibrigo Rios on a #9 needle. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Blue Lotus Scarf

A Lotus flower has many symbolic meanings… divine purity and enlightenment in Buddhism, wealth in Hinduism, and rebirth in the ancient Egyptian religion. The Blue Lotus was used to boost the libido in ancient Egypt, and in Egyptian medicine it was used to stimulate blood circulation and to slow the aging process. It was worshiped as a visionary plant and a symbol for the origins of life. Indians and Buddhists highly respected Blue Lotus for its visionary properties. It produces a feeling of well being, euphoria and ecstasy. It is still used as an entheogen today. The lovely Lotus lace pattern comes to us from Japan. The scarf measures 70" x 10", but can be customized for width and length. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

World Peace Hat

In 1958, British artist Gerald Holtom drew a circle with three lines inside, intending the design to be a symbol for the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War (DAC). The symbol quickly spread in Britain, and became the emblem for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), thus causing the design to become synonymous with nuclear disarmament. In 1960, the symbol migrated to the United States and began to be used as a symbol for the peace movement. Give peace a chance and spread the hope of world peace by knitting this colorful hat for yourself and others. Available in 3 sizes - 19-20", 21-22" and 23-24" head circumference, the pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add To Cart" button below.

Gecko Chullo

There is common lore about the gecko that involves luck and regrowth. Other symbolisms include the release and regeneration of the gecko's tail. This is representative of the self preservation and regrowth people go through after trials or hardships. The traditional gecko circle represents the cyclical nature of life and is captured on this Chullo, an earflap hat that has been worn in the Andean Mountain region since pre-Hispanic times. The pattern is sized for 21-22” and 23-24” head circumference and is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Om Slouch Hat

Om, according to the ancient scripts of the Vedic civilization, is the sound of life. It is the infinite vibration that shimmers through the Universe, providing life and sustenance to everything. Om is the beginning and will continue till the end; the one constant that unites all of creation at its deepest level. The chanting of Om revitalizes the body, soothes the mind and nourishes the soul. The symbol for Om circles this slouchy hat and will fit a 22-24" head circumference. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Triple Goddess Slouch

The “Triple Goddess" symbol of waxing, full and waning moon represents the aspects of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This Feminine Trinity can be found in cultures throughout history. "Anatolian villages in the 7th millennium B.C. worshipped a Goddess in three aspects—as a young woman, a birth-giving matron, and an old woman." ~ (Barbara G. Walker, The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, p. 1018). The slouchy hat begins with a criss-cross rib that emulates the circular curve of the moon, and the symbol for the Triple Goddess circles the hat. The pattern is knit in a heavy worsted yarn, and is sized for 20-21" and 22-23" head circumference. It is available for $5.00 by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below.

Yin~Yang Hat

The ancient Chinese concept called Yin Yang is a belief in the existence of two complementary forces in the universe. In the symbol, the outer circle represents Tao ~ the undifferentiated Unity out of which all existence arises, while the black and white shapes within the circle, Yin-qi and Yang-qi, represent the primordial feminine and masculine energies whose interplay gives birth to the manifest world. One could not exist without the other, for each contains the essence of the other. The number 8 expresses the totality of the universe in China. Both are represented here, with eight Yin Yang symbols circling this hat. This slouchy version is written for 22-23” and 24-25” head circumference. A smaller, fitted version that begins with a 2x2 rib is included and fits a 21-22" head circumference. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Solar Flares Hat

I designed this hat for my grandson, Soul. He likes motorcycles with flames, so I chose Solar Flares for a fiery look. A solar flare occurs when magnetic energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released, emitting radiation across the entire electromatnetic spectrum. Using worsted yarn in 2 contrasting colors, this hat is knit at 5.5 stitches per inch. The pattern has 3 sizes ~ 18-19", 20-21", and 22-23" head circumference. It is available for $5.00 by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below.

Great Grand Sun Hat

This hat is like a day at the beach, with waves circling the brim, gulls flying above, and a starfish resting on top. I designed this for my great-grandson, featuring slipped stitches and tiny cables. Only 1 skein of Tahki Cotton Classic is needed for the smallest size (15" head circumference), and 2 skeins for Medium, Large and Ex-Large sizes (17.5", 20", and 22.5") head circumference. An additional skein is needed if making a contrast color band. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below.

Torch Lily

This hat is a fun knit using a slip stitch pattern, carrying only one color at a time for the body of the hat, and then Fair Isle technique is used while shaping the crown. The stitches used provide a beautiful texture, as well as interest for the knitter. The hat has a slight slouch to it for comfort and style. Well written instructions for 18", 20" and 22" head circumference with a colorful chart, this hat is knit in Malabrigo Rios. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking the "Add To Cart" button below.

Seaweed & Anemones Hat

Bandon, Oregon is my favorite place to be at the end of summer. The beaches are not crowded at all, boasting beautiful rock outcroppings. If we are able to time this trip during the full moon, the low tides put on a spectacular display of tide pools featuring seaweed, anemones, starfish and other marine life. I wanted to knit a hat that reminded me of the beautiful beaches in Bandon. The Seaweed pattern is reversible, so it can be worn with the cuff folded up or not. The 2 sides are slightly different, but both very pretty. I topped the hat with Anemones using Cat Bordhi's techique, adapted from Annie Modesitt. Knit in Malabrigo Rios, the pattern can be knit for 18-19", 20-21" or 22-24" head circumference, and can be purchased by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below.

Oregon Spring Wrap

Anyone living in Oregon knows that spring is unpredictable. Clouds and sun are in constant competition throughout any given day. The sky can darken to the deepest grey, almost black, followed by a shower of hail that blankets the ground, and then suddenly the sun bursts through, warming the air and creating an almost neon glow reflected from the rain on the acid green new foliage of all of the trees and shrubs, while the flowers in bloom bask radiantly in the brilliance. This is short-lived and the clouds obscure the sun once again, making those fleeting moments even more precious. This particular color of Silk Garden reminds me of those spring days in my garden. The Flying Chevron Lace pattern reminds me of the mass migration of geese we see here in the spring. Measuring 12.5" wide and 82.5" long when fringed, this knits up quickly on #9 needles. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Oregon's Old Growth Hat

My friend’s sweetheart works in an Oregon Mill in very cold temperatures during the winter. He requested a soft, thick cabled earflap hat to keep his head and ears warm during his long hours on the job. I chose a simple 8 stitch cable that reminds me of the gnarly bark on Oregon’s old growth fir trees. Baby alpaca was a natural choice for softness. Both the cabled texture and bulky yarn provide added warmth for the coldest winter days. The pattern is written with detailed instructions for 3 sizes ~ 19-20.25”, (20.5-21.75”, 22-23.25”) head circumference, and if measurement desired is between sizes, choose the next size up. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Ebb and Flow Slouch Hat

Ebb and Flow is a term used to describe the movement of water, often in relation to natural tides. Endearing friendships can ebb and flow like the tides as our busy lives distance us from one another. When life slows down, we come together as though no time has passed, happy to have that friend in our life once again. I designed this hat for a long time friend upon request. Our friendship spans decades but has endured, becoming more precious with the passing years. Like a good friend, this hat will comfort you when the weather turns cold. The pattern is sized for 19-21" and 22-24" head circumference using worsted yarn and is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Clown Fish Love Anenomes Earflap Hat

The incredible beauty of clown fish surrounded by sea anemones was the inspiration for this little hat. In a symbiotic relationship, the clownfish feeds on small invertebrates that otherwise have potential to harm the sea anemone, and the fecal matter from the clownfish provides nutrients to the sea anemone. Additionally, the clownfish is protected from predators by the anemone's stinging cells, to which the clownfish is immune. A fun and colorful knit using Fair Isle and duplicate stitch, the pattern is sized for a 19-20" head circumference using a dk weight yarn, and is available for $6.00 by clicking the "Add To Cart" button below...and remember...just keep knitting, just keep knitting!

The Rainbow Warriors Hat

SIOUX PROPHESY “There will come a time when the earth is sick and the animals and plants begin to die. The Native Americans will regain their spirit and gather people of all nations, colors and beliefs to join together in the fight to save our Earth, and they will be The Rainbow Warriors”. The Swallowtail Caterpillars symbolize transformation. This slouchy hat is available in 3 sizes (16-18", 18-20", and 20-22") head circumference using fingering weight yarn. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Tropical Fish Hat

Wouldn’t it be nice during the dark of winter to be able to transport yourself to somewhere warm and tropical just by putting on a particular hat? I really like the idea, and maybe wearing this hat will tell people where you would rather be, even if it won’t take you there. The pattern is written for 4 sizes: Ex-Small: 15-16” (Small: 17-18”, Medium: 19-20”, Large: 21-22”) head circumference. Written with clear instructions and colorful charts, the hat is knit using fingering weight yarn and is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below..

The Lace Exfoliators

I make soap and wanted something special for gift giving that was also functional. These Lace Exfoliators are knit in 100% cotton and, when tied with a ribbon, are pretty for gifts when giving your favorite handmade soap, and also makes a great exfoliator in the bath or shower. The pattern includes detailed instructions for 4 lace designs with a watery theme: Fern Lace, Fish Scale, Fish Tail and Waterfall Lace, as well as charts and written instructions. Each begins with a picot edge and is knit in the round. The pattern is available for $6.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Herringbone Chullo

Rooted in ancient origins, the herringbone pattern dates back to Egyptian and African cultures where it was used to fashion decorative jewelry and basketry. It is more commonly seen in woven twill fabric, and so named because it resembles the skeleton of a herring fish.The Chullo is a traditional Peruvian style of hat with earflaps. The pattern is written for 2 sizes - 21-22" and 23-24" head circumference with detailed instructions and a colorful chart. It is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add To Cart" button below.

The Venita Shawl

The Venita Shawl is a large Faroese shawl, measuring approximately 67” (170 cm) wide at top edge of shawl and 30” (76 cm) long from top to bottom of gusset. A Faroese shawl is a traditional piece of clothing from the Faroe Islands. The most distinguishing characteristics of Faroese shawls is the center back gusset and shoulder shaping. The shoulder shaping allows these shawls to drape over the shoulders and remain in place as the wearer moves, even if the shawl is not pinned in place. An easy shawl to knit and a real stash buster, choose yarns with different texture and colors that you think will complement each other, using a combination of Dk and Sport weight. The pattern is available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Victorian Lace Valance

The beautiful edging on this window valance is knit in a lace pattern dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. The pattern can be modified to fit any window by modifying the number of stitches cast on for a longer valance, or repeating the pattern for additional width. The valance pictured measures 66 inches wide and 14 inches long, and I am using it on a window that is 44 inches wide. This is an intermediate lace pattern, knit in a kettle-dyed fingering cotton, available for $5.00 by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below.

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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Goin' Be Kick Ass, Just Sleeves and A Hood Shrug

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Knitters For Peace...Make Hats, Not War!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Give Peace A Chance

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Elvish Baby Hat

Elvish Kids Hat

Om Slouch Hat

Oregon's Old Growth Hat

Just Sleeves and A Hood Shrug

Clown Fish Love Anemones

My great-nephew, Charles Alexander Brown in his Bunny Hat

My grandson Jaylen in his Spider Boy Hat

The Ivy Headband

My beautiful great-granddaughter Savannah Rain in her Noro hat with my granddaughter Katia

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