Knitting pattern - Trimetry Bucket hat

Have you ever thought about knitted panama hat for autumn/winter time? Is it really possible? 

My answer is YES to both questions! I have been thinking about panama hat for quite a long time and finally designed one. Please welcome Trimetry Bucket hat!

Design overview

Knitted it DK weight yarn, the hat reversible and can be worn both sides facing. Reversible also means double layered and will keep you and your little one warm and toasty this winter. One layer of hat is knitted with beautiful textured stitch and the second layer is knitted in simple stockinette. 

The crown and brim of hat is knitted in simple garter stitch, which matches the texture of fancy stitch. The brim is knitted with two strands of yarn. It not only keeps ears away from wind but also helps to keep its shape well.

Yarn choice

The sample is knitted with DK weight yarn Drops Lima  in shade Red 3609. It is beautiful wool and alpaca blend yarn, which is soft and warm. If you do not like wearing wool close to skin you can opt for other fibre blend and knit, for example the internal layer, in cotton or any other natural fibre. There is also a great opportunity for playing with colours on stockinette layer by adding stripes or using variegated yarn. You can also knit crown and/or brim in contrast colour.

For more ideas please see the project, completed by my gorgeous test knitting team. 

Knitting pattern

I have written the pattern for wide range of sizes from baby to adult L. Also, there is a handy photo tutorial, which explains how to easy switch from crown to knitting both layers of hat. 

Knitting pattern is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts.

To celebrate the pattern release please enjoy 15% off on Ravelry with code NEW15. Offer valid until 22nd of October 2023.

Pattern for knitted Saunter sweater is also available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts More information about sweater is available in my previous post here.

Trimetry socks

Last year I design a pair of cozy socks knitted with the same textured stitch. 

Pattern for Trimetry socks is available from Ravelry. 

Also, do you know that October is a #socktober month and a perfect chance to knit your self a new pair of socks or more! 

All my socks patterns are available from Ravelry with 15% off until end of month. Use code SOCKS15. 

Check my Instagram page for some tutorials and chats about sock knitting and more.

Yarn review - Samite from Blacker Yarns

I recently received a parcel from Blacker Yarns containing their new Special Blend Knitting yarn – Samite. This yarn, Samite, was created to celebrate Blacker Yarns' 15th anniversary in the market.

I've been a fan of Blacker Yarns for a few years now and have used their products to create numerous designs for both children and adults. I even had the opportunity to visit their team in June this year, which you can read about in my post.

So, I was thrilled to try this new addition and experiment with different stitches, comparing it to their existing products. Let's take a closer look at these lovely skeins and explore what we can knit with them.

Yarn story

The story behind Samite yarn is a tribute to Cornwall, celebrating the county's connection to the Arthurian legends in local folklore and literature. In the Middle Ages, Samite was known as a luxurious and heavy silk fabric.

Blacker Yarns' Samite range is crafted from a blend of 15% recycled silk, smooth drapey Blue Faced Leicester, and the airy froth of Shetland wool. This unique combination of pale and dark fibers results in a yarn with rich colors and delicate silk nepps. Samite retains the characteristic bounce of Shetland wool and is more durable than the standard silk blend, making it perfect for colorwork, cables, and texture.

The yarn palette consists of eight colors, including one undyed and seven brightly dyed shades. All colors are named after characters from the legends of King Arthur: Merlin (Undyed), Lancelot, Guinevere, Uther Pendragon, Gawain (The Green Knight), Nimue (The Lady of the Lake), Galahad, and Morgan Le Fay.

Technical Information.

The Samite yarn is available in both fingering and DK weights, offering a total of eight beautiful shades. These colors provide endless possibilities for stunning colorwork projects. The range includes subtle heather tones like Uther Pendragon, Gawain, and Galahad, as well as vibrant options such as Lancelot, Morgan Le Fay, and Nimue. Additionally, there are natural blends like Merlin (undyed) and the taupe/brown shade Guinevere. What I particularly appreciate is how well each shade complements both natural colors and other shades within its own color family. Among my personal favorites are the two green hues and the bright shades: Lancelot, described as pink but closer to a muted beetroot color in my opinion, and Nimue, a vibrant pop of yellow that pairs beautifully with Galahad (dark navy colour).

Swatching:

I created three swatches using different techniques and two different needle sizes, all of which have been properly blocked.

1.         The first swatch, done in stockinette, was knit using 3.75 mm (US 5) knitting needles with a gauge of 19 stitches per 10cm/4 inches. I measured the size of the swatch before and after blocking, confirming that the fabric retains its size after washing, which is a fantastic characteristic.

2.         The second swatch features cables and was knit on 4 mm needles, a more common choice for DK weight yarn. The cables look neat and beautiful after blocking, making this yarn an excellent choice for Aran projects.

3.         My third swatch showcases twisted stitches, a technique I'm currently addicted to. I could not resist adding a garter stitch background (and moss stitch to my cable swatch, as you may have noticed) to some triangles. This swatch was also knit on 4mm needles.

 As you can see, the Samite blend performs wonderfully on all three swatches, resulting in a soft fabric with a slightly rustic appearance, thanks to the recycled silk and the yarn's subtly uneven colour.

I have not explored lacy stitches yet, as I am not particularly fond of lace knitting on 4mm needles with DK weight yarn. However, I am confident that Samite in 4-ply weight would be ideal for creating delicate and beautiful lace garments and accessories.

You can read more about the yarn and obtain it from Blacker Yarns website here.

Project Ideas with Samite:

Samite is incredibly soft and comfortable against the skin. I thoroughly recommend it for various knitting projects, ranging from snug cozy hats to warm oversized sweaters. It's also an excellent choice for children's knits since it's non-itchy, creates a bouncy and flexible fabric, and maintains its quality after washing.

Here are a few of my designs that I would be delighted to reknit using the Samite blend:

1. Chainring Hat

Pattern is on Ravelry. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chainring-hat

2. Saunter Sweater

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adult-saunter-sweater

3. Saunter Poncho

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saunter-poncho

4. Cable Whisper Vest

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cable-whisper-vest