It's Fall, Right?

I have mixed feelings about rain... I hate getting soaked, but I love being indoors looking and listening to the gray world through the window. Though this morning, I'm leaning more towards dislike with regards to rain, because it seems to have brought back the warmth and humidity of summer with it. I mean, its 73 degrees with 100% humidity.... on the last day of September...

I'm a bit bitter because I am excited to finally wear all of the hats I've been making, scarves I've pulled out of the closet, and that cardigan I finally got around to blocking. I know the cold weather will be here soon, but I'm too impatient! I have too many knitted things to wear!

This week I finished a cozy new headband design. The pattern is not available yet, but I am preemptively sharing the finished sample. It seems like my projects as of late have been "secret" submission pieces, and I want to actually share something I've been working on. 

Almost done this design, but I don't know if I'll have enough @berrocodesign yarn to finish it! I guess if I run out I can always go yarn shopping! #knitting #knit #knitstagram #instaknit #knittersofinstagram #yarn #yarnporn #alpaca #diy #handmade #fashion #headband #newenglandknitting

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Sep 23, 2015 at 3:08pm PDT

This headband is knit in the round lengthwise, like a long tube to fit the circumference of the head, and then seamed at the edges. The headband is also reversible, featuring a honeycomb pattern on one side and rows of crossed stitches on the other. Double the design and double the warmth!

Finished this cozy headband and of course it's 70 degrees and humid today. Just have to wait until winter I guess... In the mean time I'm finishing up the pattern. #knitting #knit #knitstagram #knittersofinstagram #instaknit #yarn #alpaca #handknit #handmade #diy #crafts #crafty #hobby #headband #newenglandknitting

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Sep 29, 2015 at 6:18am PDT

The sample pictured used one skein of Berroco Ultra Alpaca (Worsted, 50% Wool/%50 Alpaca, 215 yds/100g) in Winter Rice. I'm currently working a second sample in Malabrigo Rios (Worsted, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, 210 yds/100g) in Pearl Ten.

Here's the reverse side of the headband I posted yesterday. Now to write this bad boy up! #newenglandknitting #knitting #knittersofinstagram #knitstagram #strikking #tricot #alpaca #handmade #diy #crafts #crafty #headband

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Sep 30, 2015 at 7:36am PDT

Once I finish writing the pattern, I will put a call out on ravelry for test knitters. If you are interested, put your ravelry name in the comments and I will earburn you!

Micalet beanie is now available!

If you follow me on any other form of social media, then you know by now that my newest (and first) pattern, Micalet, is now available on ravelry. Now I can officially divulge all the details!

Micalet is a slightly slouchy beanie that has integrated cables and eyelets designed for fall weather. It is warm, yet breathable to ease the transition into cooler weather. The hat is made with Toil and Trouble Cadence, a worsted weight yarn that is 100% Merino wool, plied, machine washable, AND beautifully hand-dyed by Ana Campos (who also took these amazing pictures). The colorway used in the pictures is her newest color Slate.

As promised, I'm offering a 20% discount on the pattern for all of my blog readers! Just use coupon code "blog20" at check out on ravelry or click here to go directly to check out from now until September 13, 2015!

P. S. I' like to pose this question to all of you --- what are you supposed to do with your hands in pictures?! Besides knitting of course lol.

Tis the season for hats!

With fall hopefully just around the corner, I've found myself knitting A LOT of hats these days. I really like knitting hats because not only are they are quick, but they allow for endless creativity. It's fun to play around with different colors and textures to come up with new designs. Here are some recently finished hats and a sneak peek of a hat design coming out soon.

FO - Bray Cap

Back when I was in Germany, I knit this gorgeous Bray Cap by Jared Flood using Cascade 220 in Doeskin Heather and Citron. I've been seeing this brown and lime green color combo a lot on instagram lately, so I'm glad to see that this hat will be in trend this fall! I followed the pattern completely as is, except I added a little color contrast for the tubular cast on, crown shaping, and pom pom. While Brooklyn Tweed patterns are a little pricey ($7 for this pattern), they are well worth the price. The patterns are very professional and they explain every technique. For instance, in the Bray Cap pattern, the tubular cast on for 2x2 ribbing is explained with great detail.

Hat season continues! Finally finished this bray cap by @brooklyntweed in @cascadeyarns. #knit #knitting #strikk #strikking #instaknit #handknit #knittersofig #knitstagram #knitting_inspiration #i_loveknitting #makesomething #handmade #diy #crafts #salemma #newenglandknitting #tricot #ravelry

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Aug 23, 2015 at 7:40am PDT

Pattern WIP - Micalet

These two cabled hats were made as I was swatching/testing my new hat design, Micalet. I thought about waiting until the pattern was out before introducing this pattern on the blog, but I'm too impatient. Plus I've shared a bunch of pictures on instagram and facebook already. I'm the worst secret/surprise keeper there is, but what can I say, I love the instant gratification... that's why I knit a lot of hats!

Well it Monday, which means back to work and less knitting... But I'm satisfied with all of the hats I've managed to finally finish (and start) this weekend. #ravelry #knit #knitting #knitters #knittersofig #knitstagram #handknit #instaknit #instaknitting #tricot #strikk #strikking #yarn #wool #hats #fall #handmade #diy #makers #i_loveknitting #knitting_inspiration #salemma #newenglandknitting

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Aug 24, 2015 at 4:52am PDT

Trying on my new hat design for the first time! Just finished the decreases, and I'm so happy that I finally got them to work out and look good! Time to sew this bad boy up, finish the pattern, and knit it again! More pictures to come soon... And if you're interested in test knitting, message me on ravelry at mehuber!! Oh and thanks to my photographer @mikekeebler lol. #knitstagram #strikke #strikking #handknit #handmade #testknitting #ravelry #diy #crafts #yarn #malabrigo

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Aug 5, 2015 at 5:32am PDT

I won't say too much about these hats now because I don't want to spoil all of the fun, but here's one last spoiling detail to hold you over.... the pattern is made for this amazing yarn from Toil and Trouble, which is hand-dyed in Salem, MA by Ana Campos. Ana also owns Circle of Stitches in Salem, MA, which has become my go-to LYS since I've moved to the north shore. Her yarns are absolutely gorgeous, and I can't wait to see (and feel) this finished project!

Talking to @newenglandknitting about color today. #secretproject #knitting #toilandtroubleyarn

A photo posted by Ana Campos (@toiltrouble) on Aug 22, 2015 at 7:32am PDT

Now that my fantasy draft is complete, I can cast on a new hat with this gorgeous @toiltrouble yarn from @circlestitches. #knitting #knit #strikk #strikking #tricot #yarnporn #yarn #knitstagram #knittersofig #handknit #instaknit #handmade #diy #design #crafts #makesomething #makers #salemma

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Aug 23, 2015 at 4:11pm PDT

I casted on last night, so the pattern will be out before Labor Day. If you check back on the blog the day the pattern is released, not only will I divulge all of the details, but I'll add a coupon code to use on release day... so keep your eyes peeled!