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.

Red Slouchy Magallanes Beret Sirdar Escape DK

Sirdar Escape DK is a delightful yarn that combines rich colors and subtle stripes. 

Escape DK is perfect for a variety of projects, from cozy sweaters to accessories. As you knit, you’ll enjoy the subtle stripes and the vibrant interplay of colors. Let your creativity flow with this versatile yarn!

Fiber Composition:  A blend of 51% wool and 49% acrylic.
Weight: Escape  DK (Double Knitting) 
Yardage: 50-gram 120 yards
Gauge:  US needle size 6, 22 stitches.
Recommended Needle and Hook Sizes:Needle: 4.0 mm (US 6 / UK 8)
Hook: 5.0 mm (US 6 / UK H8)
 

Cable-Lace Beanie with Pom-Pom

Pictured Beanie was knitted in the round on a 16-inch circular size 7 needle, yarn used:
Loops & Threads Impeccable, 285 yds/4.5 oz
Size 7 (4.5 mm) or size needed for gauge
Cable needle and 4 sock needles for top decrease

GAUGE SWATCH
20 sts and 26 rows = 4" in stocking stitch.

STITCH ABBREVIATIONS:
C4F = Slip the next 2 stitches onto the cable needle and leave it in front of the work. Knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle.
Sl1P = slip next st purlwise.
C4F = Slip 2 stitches on the cable needle and hold it in front of the work
Yo = yarn over

Start your beanie by casting on a multiple of 10 stitches,
100 stitches for child size and 120 stitches (using size 8 needles, Adult size only). Close the stitches into a circle, making sure not to twist the stitches.
Knit 6 rounds
Purl 1 round

Panel Pattern sequence of 8 rows:
 1st round: *P2. K4. P2. K2tog. yo.* Rep from * to *
2nd round: *P2. K4. P2. K2.* Rep from * to *
3rd round: *P2. K4. P2. yo Sl1. K1. psso.* Rep from * to *

4th round: *P2. K4. P2. K2.* Rep from * to *
5th round: *P2. K4. P2. K2tog. yo. * Rep from * to *
6th round: *P2. K4. P2. K2.* Rep from * to *
7th round: *P2. C4F. P2. yo. Sl1. K1.* psso. * Rep from * to *
8th round: *P2. K4. P2. K2.* Rep from * to *
These 8 rounds structure the Panel Pat.

For child size work the Panel Pattern 5 times more, adult size 7 times more.
Decrease Round 1:
As stitches appear: *P2tog, K2tog, twice, P2tog, K2tog,* Rep from * to *
Decrease Round 2: 

same as Round 1, purl the purl stitches together, knit the knit stitches together
Continue in that fashion until you have 10 stitches left. Cut the yarn, leaving a long enough tail to sew on the pompom. Pull the yarn through the remaining 10 stitches, secure the stitches, and sew the pom-pom on, covering the top of the beanie.

Bavarian Jacket

Back in 2009 while browsing a knitting dictionary, I stumbled upon a project that immediately caught my attention. I recognized the design from a jacket I used to wear as a little girl while growing up in Bavaria. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to try it and see if I could recreate that jacket. With memories of my childhood flooding back to me, I grabbed my knitting needles and got started. The process of knitting that jacket was both challenging and fulfilling. Although there were times when I felt frustrated with my progress, I persevered and, in the end, created a beautiful jacket that brought back fond memories of my childhood.