Hi Knitters,I've had another design pop up last week in a newly published book. It is one of my most favorite designs I have done. About a year ago I sent off this hat to Interweave for Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre's new book, Weekend Hats. I am going to review the entire book coming up soon (as soon as I get a copy) but I wanted to first quickly share the hat I made for the collection.
The hat is worked from the top-down. The yarn is Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino. It is a drapey, decadent and romantic yarn. I absolutely fell in love with Suri Merino while making the hat. On one side of the hat you add more increases to get that extra fabric. Then just before the ribbing for the brim you make 3 pleats on the side of the hat that has the extra stitches. The pleating is a slick technique that I came up with as I worked. I am very pleased with the outcome.
The hat is actually pleated and not ruched so the name of the hat is a little misleading.
I made the hat sample for the book in the Harvest colorway and it only takes one hank of yarn. It is the perfect quick gift for the fall and winter seasons ahead. The Ruche Beret is knit at 5 stitches per inch on the dk weight yarn. This makes the drape in the fabric even better.
The Ruche Beret is also truly a weekend project. You can start one day and finish the next! It's a fast one. I have two more hanks of the Suri Merino in the colorways Earth and Seamist. I am planning on two more Ruche Berets this season. One for me and one for a gift.
I'll be back soon.
best, susie
p.s. Don't forget that I am speaking and signing books at the Madison Knitters Guild next Monday, Oct. 10th, 2011! Please come if you are in the area, the meeting starts at 6:30pm and the guild meets at a new location. I would love to see you there if you are able.
This beret is SOOOOO cute!!! Nice job! I will knit this someday....
ReplyDeleteSusan, that is gorgeous! I know just the handspun to make this with...
ReplyDeleteStunning in its simplicity...I'm always shocked when the humble knit becomes....this. Beautiful. Can we buy JUST the pattern?
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely hat. In fact I can see several in the book I would like to make. Just this past weekend I decided that hats are the perfect project for me - someone always needs a hat, they are quick, and there is only 1 so no fear of not finishing the pair like in socks and mitts!
ReplyDeleteLooks really cute on you! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love the simple elegance of this design, Susan! The pleating reminds me of some of the innovative techniques that Lynne Barr often invents. The hat would look stunning along with her pleated scarf from Knitting New Scarves if anyone is brave enough to work with that many dpns in an unconventional setup.
ReplyDeleteLove this Ruche Beret. Love it especially on you b/c you are just a beautiful person inside to out.
ReplyDeleteSo perfect. Can't wait for this book...Well done Susan...liz
ReplyDeleteLove this pattern and with just one skein it sounds like a perfect gift!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to knit that. Love it!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Susan!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat hat is beautiful! I love the color and it looks so fluffy! Congratulations on another pattern published.
ReplyDeleteI love it! And now that we've moved to Ohio, I just might have to make it for myself!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful hat. Simple beret made so stylish with the pleats. I do want to make it, and can't wait to see how you did it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful hat. Simple beret made so stylish with the pleats. I do want to make it, and can't wait to see how you did it!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to buy just the pattern for this?
ReplyDelete