Pattern: Deckhand (Knitpicks version)

So, I've done my first project with Knitpicks' Independent Designers' Program (IDP), and a second version of Deckhand is the result. It has the same sizing range as the one in Avast No. 1 but is worked in Knitpicks' Comfy Worsted.

I enjoyed working with Knitpicks the company and have some more ideas brewing for future projects. Perhaps a Deckhand with some shaping for me?

And I really liked Comfy (75% Pima cotton, 25% Acrylic microfiber) - silky with a nice drape often missing from straight-up cotton, and it's machine-washable - so important for the small set.

You can find my KP IDP profile here, and the KP version of Deckhand here.

eBook: Avast No. 1

Yo, ho ho and a ... new pattern booklet.

Now available on Ravelry and Etsy, my first pattern ebook! Avast No. 1 contains patterns with notes and charts (where necessary) for eight piratical knits suitable for summer (or any) time knitting.

Aphros - a laceweight shawl - one skein, one needle

Babe in the Mist - baby blanket that is pretty to look at and fun to work

Captain Austen's Scarf - seaweed scarf with hand-knotted fringe

Deckhand - child's boatneck sweater worked in cool and easy-care cotton

Mermaid's Mitts - pretty little bits of lace

Night Watch Cap - Turn of the Glass twisted ribs make a cozy hat

Walk the Plank - worsted weight socks worked from the toe up

Wench - linen pullover perfect for summer

Fibers like linen and cotton are great for summer knitting, as is laceweight wool. And if you don't want to give up worsted weight yarns, there are smaller accessory patterns so you don't end up with a pile of wool in your lap - I can't tell you how happy I was to finish my Austen Knits project at the end of May, just a things were starting to heat up here in New York.

I've done my best to describe things clearly, providing both charts and written out patterns where I can, and including lots of helpful notes in every pattern. If you can knit and purl, I am confident you can create any and all of these projects, and if you get stuck, I'm always available to help!

There are 24 pages for all eight patterns, letter size, and, as always, I've set things up so that you don't have to print the cover pages with all the "pretty" pictures, just the notes and pattern pages (sometimes the same page) to take with you in your project bag. There is a list of abbreviations at the beginning, but I've also included them in each pattern as needed, so you don't have to refer to the entire booklet. While the booklet is full-color, the patterns can be printed in black-and-white without losing any valuable information.

To be of even more help, I'm going to set up a Group on Ravelry to help with my 17 (seventeen? when did that happen?!) patterns, perhaps start a KAL or two, and generally get to know more knitters. I'll post the details once I know them and hope you'll join me.

Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters
buy now

Pattern: Wench

A saucy lass deserves an easy-to-knit and easy-to-wear pullover for warmer weather: Wench fits the bill. The drape of the finished linen fabric will win you over, keeping you cool yet covered. This sweater was inspired by the shifts that all women used to wear, but now you can show it off. With picot edgings and drawstrings at neck and wrists, you’ll look just a bit fancy while feeling supremely comfortable.

Sizes: 30 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54” bust

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Increasing
Decreasing

Wench $7

buy now

Wench is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters

Avast No. 1 $25

buy now

Pattern: Walk the Plank

Though most sailors run barefoot on board a ship (easier to climb the rigging), sometimes socks are necessary. Walk the Plank are worked in worsted-weight from the toe up (with complete directions for a short-row heel), so you can quickly use up every last bit of your yarn. The Sailor’s Rib is attractive and easy-to-remember, so you’ll have a new pair of socks in no time.

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing
Working short rows

Walk the Plank $5

buy now

Walk the Plank is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters

Avast No. 1 $25
buy now

Pattern: Night Watch Cap

An essential part of any pirate’s kit, a watch cap keeps your head warm whether you’re hairy or not (pirates often shaved their heads to streamline their grooming routines). Wear your Night Watch Cap with brim folded in classic watch cap style or unfold the brim and push it back onto the crown of your head, letting the top flop back. With this rib pattern you can have the fancy side showing or go incognito with plain ribs. If you weave your ends carefully as you go, you can flip the hat from knit to purl side for four looks.

A note on sizing: The ribbing on this hat allows the circumference to stretch from 16-22 inches, making it a hat that will fit most adults (and some kids).

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing
Working stitches out of order

Night Watch Cap $4

buy now

Night Watch Cap is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters

Avast No. 1 $25

buy now

Pattern: Mermaid's Mitts

Even mermaids get cold hands, I imagine. They could use a pair of Mermaid's Mitts! And these little pretties are quick to knit, light and cozy, and require just a smidgen of laceweight yarn. If you are ready to move beyond the basics but not ready for the time commitment of a shawl, you’ll flap your tail for this pair in fishtail lace. You could even use the last ten grams from your Aphros for a matching pair of mitts!

Pattern is charted and written out and includes helpful tips to get you started.

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing

Mermaid's Mitts $5
buy now

Mermaid's Mitts is also part of the new ebook Avast No. 1: eight patterns for piratical knitters

Avast No. 1 $25
buy now