Pattern Liberation

I used to be afraid to design my own patterns. Years ago, I began spinning and had to figure out how to use these unique yarns I was producing. I eased myself into the process by using simple shapes, then I moved on to more challenging projects, though I still prefer what people may call a more organic approach to design i.e. letting the piece take shape as it grows.

It's relaxing and fun. Also, it a jumping off point for people who want to start designing but feel intimidated by working in three dimensions.

Last week, I began knitting a long strip of fabric with pattern and color changes. I planned to seam these together in a spiral as I had before to make a cowl, but this time I thought I might try to fashion it into an asymmetrical hat. It worked!

This cloche-like hat can be worn in a number of ways. It begins with a three inch wide strip of knitting that is seamed as you go until it is the right depth for your head. Then the top end piece is sewn down as shown in the schematic below. Stitches are picked up along the circular opening and crown shaping begins. I put the stitches on four double pointed needles and decreased at each end every other row until the last two rows where I decreased every row.

A good rule of thumb for picking up stitches is to choose two for every three on the edge. I used this approach for the crown but also for the lower edge of the hat and then did about six rows of garter stitch.

I do like my hat but if it's not your thing, the strip sewn into a spiral makes a great cowl. Then there's no crown shaping or seaming that last top end down. You will have to pick up stitches to add an non-rolling edge. Garter stitch works great.

Hope this helps get some ideas flowing for you! I'm thinking about making a sweater using a spiraling strip.
If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section.