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Yarnology I cord tool.

Utilizing the Yarnology tool, I just finished crafting a new I cord, this time incorporating a delicate lace stitch to fashion a stunning beret.

A new adventure in knitting...

... began with discovering a small but powerful tool - the Yarnology I-cord maker. Loraina, a knitting group member, demonstrated its capabilities, and I was immediately intrigued. Recognizing its potential to speed up creating an I-cord, I wasted no time purchasing one from Hobby Lobby.

With my new gadget, I began a project to knit a beret, starting with an I-cord rim. After some trial and error, I discovered that using sock yarn was the key to success. With the I-cord complete, I picked up enough stitches for a 60cm circumference and began knitting in the round.

I incorporated a color pattern using red heart sock yarn in off-white as I worked. However, I soon realized that the I-cord alone did not create an appealing hatband. I used a second circular needle to create a K1, P1 stitch combination for a 1950s-inspired seed stitch border to remedy this.

I fashioned a small bow from the remaining inches of the I-cord on the hatband to add a finishing touch.

To finish the beret, I decreased the number of stitches in each round until only eight remained, cut the yarn, and left about seven inches. Then, using a large sewing needle, I pulled the yarn through the remaining eight stitches, fastened the stitches, and weaved in the rest of the yarn so that the stitches were secured and not open. My beret is complete.

And with that, my new gadget led me on a creative journey to a beautifully crafted accessory.

Araucanía Atacama and Schachenmayr Nomotta Yarns

Many years ago, when I was the co-owner of All About Yarn in Azusa, we acquired various colors of Araucanía Atacama yarn. This yarn boasts beautiful hues and delightful variations. It’s made from 100% Alpaca and is recommended for use with a needle size of 7, achieving 18 stitches per 10 cm. Personally, I adore working with this yarn.

I also used Schachenmayr Nomotta Extra as a complementary yarn. Schachenmayr yarn hails from Germany and is crafted from 100% Schurwolle (New Wool). It requires needle sizes 4 and 5 and produces 24 stitches per 10 cm.

Both yarns have their unique qualities, and I appreciate the creative possibilities they offer.

Wool Ease Fair Isle Cable Beanie

Knitting small projects is an absolute delight. Beanies and hats are cozy head coverings with a canvas for boundless creativity, allowing knitters to explore various yarns, colors, and stitch patterns. Unlike some other knitting projects, beanies and hats don’t impose many strict rules—except for the stitch pattern. They are relatively quick to knit. Their smaller size means you can complete them quickly, which is immensely satisfying. Whether you prefer classic ribbing, intricate cables, or playful colorwork, beanies and hats allow you to experiment. Mix and match stitches, incorporate stripes, or add pom-poms for extra flair, which I love to add for style. Besides, they keep your head warm during colder days while adding a personality to your outfit.

So grab your needles, choose your favorite yarn, and let your imagination run wild as you create cozy headwear—that's what I did!

Cable Lace Beanie in Blue

I knitted this beanie using the same pattern as the previous one, which I affectionately named the ‘Cable-Lace Beanie with Pom-Pom.’ The key distinctions between the two lie in the yarn type, color, and band.
For the red beanie, I employed 5 rows of stockinette stitches. In contrast, the blue beanie features 15 rows of K1 and P1 ribbing. Despite sharing the same central pattern, each beanie possesses a unique charm due to its distinct yarn qualities and manufacturers.
The red beanie is crafted from Loops & Threads Impeccable yarn, while the blue one utilizes Knit Picks Brava Sport Weight Yarn in a lovely shade of blue (Sky). You be the judge: Which one do you like better or prefer?

Elegant Silky Beanie

Silk yarn is a luxurious and exquisite type of yarn that has been treasured for centuries. I received this yarn as a gift and am very pleased with how smoothly it knits up and how soft it feels on the skin. The yarn has an amazing shine to it.