Slip! (+ 2 winners!)

Hi Knitters,

I am having so much fun knitting hats again. I never tire of designing hats. The new hat in my Pattern Shop is called, Slip. (You can purchase the pattern here.) The name of the hat is due to the amazing slip stitch pattern that gives the hat a fair isle look without doing the fair isle technique. It is so simple and quick and fun to knit. You simply work the mid-section of the hat alternating 2 contrasting colors every 2 rounds and following a slip stitch pattern at the same time. It keeps the knitting engaging without being difficult. I like that.

A couple of interesting points about Slip is that it is worked from the top down. This is the first time I have done this technique. It was fun for a change of pace. The second interesting point is that the slip stitch pattern is perfect for variegated yarns because it breaks up the coloration of the yarn. This prevents pooling which is commonly a problem with variegated yarns. These are both a big plus in my book!
I was privileged to get to try some of the new Blue Sky Alpacas yarns that are just being launched this month. There is an exciting new Blue Sky Multi Cotton line (will be available for purchase in January 2010) in the gorgeous and popular Blue Sky Cotton line. The colors are enticing and yummy, as always, be sure to check them out. Any of the tried and true Blue Sky Worsted Cotton would work perfectly for Slip, in any two contrasting colors. You need one skein each of two contrasting colors to make this hat.
Here is some information you might like to know about Slip:

Size: Finished hat will fit an older child up to an adult size head measuring between 20-23 inches.

Yarn: Blue Sky Multi Worsted Cotton (100% organic cotton; 67 grams/100 yards), 1 skein each in Gherkin #6802 and Punch #6800

Needles: US size 7 double pointed needles, set of 4, and sixteen-inch circular needles OR size to obtain gauge

Materials:

Ruler or tape measure

Stitch marker

Scissors

Yarn needle

Gauge: 5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch

The hat is squishy and warm. It has a very comfortable fit. The ribbed brim can be turned up or down. Both ways look great and sporty.
I had The Collector try it on this morning before school to take a couple of quick photos. Then she begged me to wear it to school today. It is soft, warm, cuddly and comfy and plus it is just super cute. The colors pop and are bright and fun which is especially good at this dreary time of year in Madison. I can't say enough about this fun hat! You will love it.
This is a pretty poor photo of me (lol) taken by The Collector but I just want to show you how well the hat fits both of us. She is 10-years-old with a 21.5-inch head. I am 45-years-old (like you need to know that:) and my head measures 22-inches. Most kids have the same size heads as adults. The hat is so stretchy that it would comfortably fit a man's size head as well. Slip stretches enough to fit at least a 23-inch size head. In some manly colors or organic shades of cotton this hat would be the perfect man-hat!

You know Spud & Chloë Sweater is the exact same gauge as the Blue Sky Cottons so this would make a great yarn substitution as well. So many wonderful yarns and options to choose from!

The pattern is available for purchase for $4.50 here.

The ravelry page link for Slip is here!

Please note: I personally send out all orders via email only with an attached pdf file of the pattern. Please be patient, it is not automated. Sometimes there is a slight delay (like if I am packing lunches or sleeping or doing laundry or grocery shopping:). I try to be as prompt as possible!

Contest Winners!

Now for the winners of the Kristin Nicholas, Color by Kristin book!!!! Thank you to everyone who left a comment to enter the drawing. Kristin has told me she has read every comment so thank you for saying all of those wonderful and loving things to her. That's always fun to read and she deserves it! The winners below need to email me their mailing addresses to pass on to Kristin's publisher within 2 days, by Friday, January 8th. If I don't hear from the winners by Friday I will select a new winner at that time. My email address is always on my blog sidebar.

The two randomly selected winning comments are:

Elly said...

I would absolutely LOVE to win this book. I have never tried Fair Isle knitting and would love to learn from this book by Kristin.
I can't wait!
Thank you!
Elly, Chandler AZ
(IknitCupcakes-Ravelry name)

January 03, 2010

Courtney said...

I love to follow Krisitns blog. I grew up in western mass and worked on a dairy in sunderland, it reminds me of home. I found her blog when I was looking for directions online to sew in a zipper. I would love to win her book as I really enjoy stranded knitting and was recently laid off and won't be able to buy it.

January 05, 2010

I look forward to hearing from you both and congratulations!!!!

best, susie