barley beanie

I have a small confession.  

I was a bit cheeky, calling my Morganite "finished" last blogpost.  I hadn't quite finalised my button choice, but after a hunt through my button stash, I found what I think you'll agree are damn near *perfect* buttons.

Although the weather has been (has been) lovely recently, I took the cardigan to our last knitting group meetup for show and tell, and even got to wear it for a brief moment after air-conditioning got to me in the cafe!  Hard to say where the Melbourne Spring-weather is heading, but as I look out on to rain and grey skies, I have a feeling this won't be the only occasion I get to wear it in the foreseeable future.

Despite my concerns about the amount of wool I had for this project, I ended up having enough left for a couple of small beanies.  

Actually, I probably had enough left over to have been able to knit the sleeves full length which in hindsight I would have preferred but we won't talk about that...

Instead, have a look at my darling little beanie.  I do so wish I had a wee little head to model it on though.  I need to find some willing toddler models!

Keen eyes will pick that the wool looks much browner in the beanie than the cardigan.  This was the lighter skein I've blogged about ad nauseum.

The pattern is "Barley", and you've probably seen it flooding your recent Ravelry feed.

The generous people at tincanknits recently released a set of free, basic patterns, under their Simple Collection.  There are 8 free patterns in total, all sized from baby to adult, and they are designed as "learn-to-knit" patterns.  Each pattern is accompanied with tutorial links, including instruction for things like how to cast on, ssk/k2tog, and knitting on dpn's.  It seems like if you were a new knitter, you would work your way through the collection in order and build on acquired skills with each new project.

There's a full suite of accessories within the collection, and the final pattern to be released shortly is a jumper.  All the patterns have grainy names: Maize (mitts), Wheat (scarf), Oats (cowl), Barley (beanie), Rye (socks), Malt (blanket) and Flax (jumper), and the styling and graphic design of them is equally earthy and natural.

The design and concept is simple - stocking stitch, with a garter stitch panel.  Within the different patterns, this panel gives the knitter experience in knitting garter stitch both flat and in the round, too.  

I managed to misread the pattern and make my panel reverse stocking stitch, though!  The problem with being (you think) too clever for your own good.  Looking at projects on Ravelry, a lot of clever-clogs did the same thing.

Overall, I think this collection would be a great resource for anyone wanting to start out in knitting, especially if they wanted to have a stylish finished product that has taught them a few tricks along the way.

I also really love this idea, that people are willing to share the knowledge and skills they have for free.

Whether you're a new knitter or a seasoned old-hand, it's always nice to share and be taught, don't you agree?