"Noro" Hat

James C. Brett Marble Chunky is a fun yarn with a great colorway. I thought it would be worthy of being the basis for a Noro Hat. This hat is a Saartje de Bruijn design, and I have knit many projects from this designer in the past.

This hat consumed 91 g (155 yards) of yarn.

I still used size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, but I decreased the co stitches to 75 since this was a chunky yarn. Therefore, when I started the crown decreases I skipped (rows 45-52) to where there were 75 sts.

I love that you K the first 8 rows so you get a bit of a rolled brim. This transitions seamlessly into the pattern.

This hat makes a great, simple project. The pattern is really easy to keep up with, and it would be a great project for someone when you are not sure how big their head is. The hat stretches and shrinks in a really fun way!

More VIP Fibers Samples

This Thanksgiving, I got some other VIP Fibers samples as a present! Lucky me, I got to see samples from American Eskimo (like Indy!), Keeshound, Australian Shepherd and Coyote yarns.

Of the four samples, the consensus is that the Coyote is the softest. I happen to like the American Eskimo, and from the fur I have been saving I know it is going to be great!

How much have I saved? When I weighed my collection in early February, I had 4 g of fur. Sure, this seems like not very much fur for 6 months of ownership, but Indy is starting to shed a lot more. He is also much more amenable to long brushing sessions.

Amigurumi LadyBug - Simple Version

I wanted to design a lady bug amigurumi, but I was conflicted on the construction of the wings. Did I want my lady bug to fly, or to just sit and look pretty? Since I couldn't decide, I created one of each. In the simple version, the lady bug's spots are placed directly on her back. In the flying version, two wings are knit separately and then attached to the body. For simplicity reasons, I decided to publish each of these projects separately (but you will see many similarities between the two patterns.)

The knit amigurumi ladybugs: simple version (left) and flying version (right)

This knitting pattern will help you make the LadyBug Amigurumi - Simple Version. To make the LadyBug Amigurumi - Flying Version, see the complementing pattern.

The knit amigurumi ladybugs: simple version (left) and flying version (right)

Materials:

• Fingering Weight Yarn (KnitPicks Palette in Black and hand dyed red; 1-2 g of each) (This project will work in multiple weights of yarn.)
  
  
• Needles: Size 1 (2.5 mm) double pointed needles
• Notions: polyfill stuffing, Yarn needle for weaving in loose ends. Crochet hook for creating antennae.
• Gauge: Not Important for this project.
  
• Finished Size: ~2" long

The body of the simple ladybug is constructed as a single piece with a red body and black head. The spots are added before the body is closed by embroidery with duplicate stitches.

Body Construction:
(Starting at the tip of the head.)
1. CO 6 sts in Black (MC). Join to knit in the round and knit one row.
2. Kfb across - 12 sts
3. K across
4. Kfb across - 24 sts
5. K across
6. K across
7. *K6, K2tog* repeat 3 times - 21 sts
8. K across
9. K2, K2tog, K5, K2tog, K5, K2tog, K3 - 18 sts
10. K across
11. *K1, K2tog* across- 12 sts
Now starting the body of the lady bug. Switch to Red yarn.

12. K across
13. Kfb across - 24 sts
14. K across
15. K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K8, kfb, K1 - 28 sts
16. K across
17. K1, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K10, kfb, K1 - 32 sts
18. K across
19. K1, Kfb, K12, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K12, Kfb, K1 - 36 sts
Rows 20-21. K across
22. K1, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K1 - 32 sts
23. K across
24. K1, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K1 - 28 sts
25. K across
26. K1, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K1 - 24 sts
27. K across
28. *K2, K2tog* across, 18 sts
29. *K1, K2tog* across, 12 sts
With yarn needle and black yarn, form the ladybug's spots with duplicate stitches on the back of the ladybug. Use whatever patter you like. I created the following chart as a guide, but I ended up using less 4x4 stitch spots on my actual ladybug.

Stuff the head and body with polyester stuffing. Take care not to over stuff!
30. K2tog across, 6 sts
Pull yarn through the remaining 6 sts, weave in loose ends.

Additional Finishing (Images are from the free toy butterfly knitting pattern):
Cut a 24 inch piece of yarn (same as head color). With the yarn needle, insert into the ladybug head so the ends come out where you would like the antennae to be placed. Using a crochet hook, crochet a chain (using a knit stitch for the first loop) until you get the desired length for an antenna (approximately 0.5 inch). Draw the free end of the yarn through the last loop, pull tightly, and cut the yarn.

Placement of the antennae with the yarn needle (left) and how the yarn is placed before crocheting (right)


The antennae before (left) and after (right) the ends are snipped.

The completed simple ladybug

Optional Legs - I decided that I didn't want to put legs on my ladybug amigurumi, but if you want to add legs, I recommend that you follow the instructions from my caterpillar knitting pattern.

Enjoy your Ladybug! If you enjoy your simple ladybug, you may want to consider constructing the flying version, too. See below for some pictures of both version of the knit ladybug.

The knit amigurumi ladybugs: simple version (left) and flying version (right)

---------------------------------------
Abbreviations Used in this pattern:
Kfb - increase by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch.
M1 (Make 1)- increase stitch by picking up yarn between two stitches, twisting and knitting.
K - knit
P - purl
S1 - slip one stitch
SSK - decrease by slipping two stitches then knitting them together. Alternatively, you could slip one stitch, knit one stitch and pass slipped stitch over.
K2tog - decrease by knitting two stitches together.

This knitting pattern was created by ChemKnits for your personal or charity use. You are not to distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of ChemKnits. You are not to sell items made from this pattern. © 2012 ChemKnits

Amigurumi LadyBug - Flying Version

She's here! I have had a lady bug amigurumi sitting in my design notebook for a long time. I finally decided to get up and knit her. When I started to cast on, I realized I had two options for the wings. I could either place the spots directly on her back (simple version) or I could make two flat wings and attach them to her back (Flying Version.) Since I couldn't decide between the two, I decided to create both. For simplicity reasons, I decided to publish each of these projects separately (but you will see many similarities between the two patterns.)

The knit amigurumi ladybugs: simple version (left) and flying version (right)

This knitting pattern will help you make the LadyBug Amigurumi - Flying Version. To make the LadyBug Amigurumi - Simple Version, see the complementing pattern.

The knit amigurumi ladybugs: simple version (left) and flying version (right)

Materials:

• Fingering Weight Yarn (KnitPicks Palette in Black and hand dyed red; 1-2 g of each) (This project will work in multiple weights of yarn.)
  
  
• Needles: Size 1 (2.5 mm) double pointed needles
• Notions: polyfill stuffing, Yarn needle for weaving in loose ends and sewing wings to the body. Crochet hook for creating antennae.
• Gauge: Not Important for this project, as long as you are consistent between the body and wings!
• Finished Size: ~2 inches long

Body Construction:
(Starting at the tip of the head.)
1. CO 6 sts in Black (MC). Join to knit in the round and knit one row.
2. Kfb across - 12 sts
3. K across
4. Kfb across - 24 sts
5. K across
6. K across
7. *K6, K2tog* repeat 3 times - 21 sts
8. K across
9. K2, K2tog, K5, K2tog, K5, K2tog, K3 - 18 sts
10. K across
11. *K1, K2tog* across- 12 sts
12. K across
Now starting the body of the lady bug. Continue knitting in black yarn.
13. Kfb across - 24 sts
14. K across
15. K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K8, kfb, K1 - 28 sts
16. K across
17. K1, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K10, kfb, K1 - 32 sts
18. K across
19. K1, Kfb, K12, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K12, Kfb, K1 - 36 sts
Rows 20-21. K across
22. K1, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K1 - 32 sts
23. K across
24. K1, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K1 - 28 sts
25. K across
26. K1, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K1 - 24 sts
27. K across
28. *K2, K2tog* across, 18 sts
29. *K1, K2tog* across, 12 sts
Stuff the head and body with polyester stuffing. Take care not to overstuff!

30. K2tog across, 6 sts
Pull yarn through the remaining 6 sts, weave in loose ends.


Wing #1:
Note: these written directions do not include the colorwork. Please refer to the chart to know where to put the spots.
1. Cast on 6 sts in RED
2. P across
3. Kfb, K5 (7 sts)
4. P across
5. Kfb, K6 (8 sts)
6. P across
7. Kfb, K7 (9 sts)
8. P across
9. K across
10. P7, P2tog (8 sts)
11. K across
12. P6, P2tog (7 sts)
13. K across
14. P4, P2tog (6 sts)
15. K across
16. P1, P2tog, P2tog, P1 (4 sts)
17. K2tog, K2tog (2 sts). Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Weave in loose ends except for cast on tail (you will use this to sew the wing to the body.) Block wing so it lays flat.

The flying ladybug body and unblocked wings.

Wing #2:
Note: these written directions do not include the colorwork. Please refer to the chart to know where to put the spots.

1. Cast on 6 sts in RED
2. P across

3. K5, Kfb (7 sts)
4. P across
5. K6, Kfb (8 sts)
6. P across
7. K7, Kfb (9 sts)
8. P across
9. K across
10. P2tog, P7 (8 sts)
11. K across
12. P2tog, P6 (7 sts)
13. K across
14. P2tog, P5 (6 sts)
15. K across
16. P1, P2tog, P2tog, P1 (4 sts)
17. K2tog, K2tog (2 sts). Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Weave in loose ends except for cast on tail (you will use this to sew the wing to the body.) Block wing so it lays flat.

The ladybug body and wings being blocked.

The ladybug body and finished, blocked wings.

Connect the wings to the body - Sew the cast on edge of the wings at the neck of the lady bug. If desired, you can have these at an angle so the lady bug looks like it is about to take off.

Construction of the Ladybug's Antenna (Images are from the free toy ant knitting pattern.)

• Cut a piece of yarn (~24 inches) and thread through the head of the ladybug. You want both ends of the yarn to be in the location where you want the antennae.
  
  
  
• Using a crochet hook, crochet a single chain (starting with a stitch on the side of the head) until the desired length has been reached. Cut the yarn just above the knot. (see below)
  
  
  One antenna has been cut.
  
  
  
  The ladybug body with completed antenna.

Optional Legs - I decided that I didn't want to put legs on my ladybug amigurumi, but if you want to add legs, I recommend that you follow the instructions from my caterpillar knitting pattern.

Enjoy your Ladybug! If you enjoy your flying ladybug, you may want to consider constructing the simple version, too. See below for some pictures of both version of the knit ladybug.

The knit amigurumi ladybugs: simple version (left) and flying version (right)

---------------------------------------
Abbreviations Used in this pattern:
Kfb - increase by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch.
M1 (Make 1)- increase stitch by picking up yarn between two stitches, twisting and knitting.
K - knit
P - purl
S1 - slip one stitch
SSK - decrease by slipping two stitches then knitting them together. Alternatively, you could slip one stitch, knit one stitch and pass slipped stitch over.
K2tog - decrease by knitting two stitches together.

This knitting pattern was created by ChemKnits for your personal or charity use. You are not to distribute or reprint this pattern without the permission of ChemKnits. You are not to sell items made from this pattern. © 2012 ChemKnits

My First Hexipuff

Well my friends, I have catapulted onto the bandwagon. I received the Beekeeper's Quilt knitting pattern through a generous random act of kindness (RAK.) If you are not familiar with this project, the concept is making tiny stuffed hexagons (hexipuffs) out of scraps of fingering weight yarn. Once you have hundreds of hexipuffs, you sew them together into a quilt. This is a project that I know will take me years, so I am adding a tag so you can follow my progress.

For my first hexipuff, I selected my first handpainted wool skein. Since I love this colorway so much, isn't it fitting for it to take a star role in my quilt? This hexipuff is an exception to my plan because I have a lot of this yarn left. I will try to only make hexipuffs out of remnants (and purchased/donated miniskeins.)

How much do you stuff your hexipuffs? I read that one knitter overstuffed hers so they would hold up for a long time, while other users don't stuff them at all. I decided to go the middle ground and stuff them a little. Sure, they will flatten out over time, but this will provide some added warmth. The amount of stuffing was too small to register on my cooking scale (<1g)

I imagine that this project will cause me to run out of fiberfill. I have been working on this same bag for a few years now!

I cast on using Judy's Magic Cast on and then grafted the top edge together (after stuffing) using the kitchener stitch. This hexipuff used 3 g of wool (+/- 0.5 g). This is ~14 yards.

I knit with size 3 knitting needles LOOSELY. Some of the yarns I will use may be thicker than fingering weight, so I wanted to make sure I can keep everything the same approximate size. Thankfully, I am close to the pattern with 3" from tip to tip. (If my hexipuffs started out too small, then it would take a LOT longer to make a big quilt!)

I have not yet decided how big of a quilt I want. I know that I want the project to be at LEAST the large size, so I will need AT LEAST 384 puffs. I am going to stick to cool colors (blues, greens and purples) but I don't mind hints of warmer color in variegate yarns.

NOTE: I finished more than one hexipuff in my first day, but I wanted the first puff to get a lot of notice!

My Ombré

One of my favorite designs of 2011 is the Ombré Hat. I made one for my brother's girlfriend, Jessica, but really wanted to make one for myself. I used size 6 knitting needles, KnitPicks Chroma Worsted (Midwinter) and Blue and Purple Berroco Peruvia. All of these yarns are single ply, and the thickness varies a bit. This gives the stitches some interest beyond the beautiful colors.

Each ball of yarn started with 100g. The project consumed 29 g of Chroma, 27 g of the blue and 17 g of the purple Peruvia. I love the chroma yarn, but I was really disappointed that it arrived 5 g short.

In the pattern, these three yarns correspond to the 9 colors in the following way:

• A - Blue
• B - Chroma
• C - Purple
• D - Chroma
• E - Blue
• F - Chroma
• G - Purple
• H - Chroma
• I - Blue

The hat has some nice symmetry, because the chroma ended at the same color where it began. I have a feeling that this is not going to be the last Ombré hat I ever create!

ChemKnits is now on Facebook!

Are you a fan of ChemKnits? Now you can share it with your friends because I finally set up the ChemKnits Facebook Page!

I know it took me a long time to get onto this bandwagon, but please show your continued support of ChemKnits by liking us on Facebook.