Thriller | Le Challenge {Knitting}

As I have started my le challenge entry very early this month - ie a week before the deadline, I can actually show you what I am up to. 

It is knitting, on DPNs and very sparkly... and that is as much as I am willing to tell you until next Monday. 

It is progressing well so far... In other news I am nearly finishing my thriller (did you see how it all fits in?)- la Verite sur l'Affaire Quebert. If the book ever gets translated, get it, it is amazing. 

Are you joining le challenge? I just wrote my inspiration post - you still have time to start your entry and finish it by 15th, and get a chance to win a $25 FQS voucher. 

Starbust {Knitting}

It has been hard to motivate myself to knit a beanie hat this month (i.e. June) - even though I chose to make a baby hat. However the rain in the last couple of days have helped me finished it. It also means that Baby MiH is finally making an appearance on the blog. 

The starbust hat is a free pattern on ravelry, this is supposed to be pre-schooler size, but it may seems to be 6 months in Baby MiH's world... I just have to hope that it will still fit comes September/October.

 Pattern: Starbust Hat (free on Ravelry)

Yarn: Merino Silk DK - hand dyed

Needle size: 4.5mm DPNs
Size: smallest, hoping it would fit for this Autumn - not sure it will. I would make it deeper, as it happens it only just covers his ears. 
Result: A great pattern, well written and very easy to follow and quick.  

The hand-dyed yarn, with its white spots, works again very well for this type of hat. It adds a bit of texture and interest. 

I do love the top of the hat. I was worried it would look too much like the top of a pie, but it does not in the end. I will probably make more of this type for the winter. 

 You may be interested in a couple of related post:

- the hand-dying process is here.
- joining when knitting in the round is here. 

And this is my (late) June entry for 12 hats in one year. 

How to Sunday - Joining when Knitting in the round {Knitting}

Knitting in the round is something I end up doing a lot - for beanie hats (here, and here) and jumpers (here) - and every time there is the issue of joining all these stitches (on DPNs or circular needles). Is there a right way or a wrong way to do it? Probably not, but you know when it is wrong, well I certainly do.

But the 'knit two together' method is fairly simple and gets me a nice result every time - and therefore has not stopped me looking (and making) projects knitted in the round. Here is how I do it... I am sure other knitters have other methods - please let us know in the comment box, would love to try other methods as well.

You must first cast on (or pick up stitches) to have a foundation of stitches on your double pointed needles or circular needles just as you would for straight knitting. Evenly distribute your stitches over 3 or 4 needles. 

Cast on the number of stitches your pattern calls for, plus one (ie, if the pattern says to CO 72, you'll CO 73).

With the cast-on edge pointing away from you, slide the first cast on stitch to the end of your left needle, and the last cast on stitch to the end of your right needle, so both are ready to be worked.

Slip the last cast on stitch off of your right needle back onto the left needle.

Knit those 2 stitches (the last and first cast-on) together. This will bring your number of stitches down to the correct amount. 

Place a marker so you can easily identify the beginning of the round. Begin Knitting!