Knitting Therapy

Jonah’s always on hand to help out.

If you love someone, knit them a beanie.

When I start work on a new book, I embark on a knitting project. The gentle click of needles soothes my mind and helps ideas flow.

Here’s my favourite beanie pattern :

Easy to make, light and cosy to wear.

Using 10 Ply wool and 4 mm needles, cast on 109 stitches

1st Row: K1, *p1, k1, pre from * to end.

2nd Row: *P1, k1, rep from * to last stitch, p 1.

From now own, these two rows will be referred to as rib pattern.

Continue in rib pattern for 8 cm (3 inche), ending with a 1st row.
Change to 5 mm needles and work in rib pattern until hat measures 21 cm (8 ¼ inches),
Ending with a 1st row.

Change to 4 mm needles

Shape Crown

1st Row (Rib 15, k 3 tog) 6 times, p 1 (97 sts)

2nd and Every Alt Row: Rib
3rd Row: (Rib 13, k3 tog 6 times, p 1. (85 sts)
5th Row: (Rib 11, k 3 tog) 6 times, p 1 (73 sts)
7th Row: (Rib 9, k3 tog) 6 times, p 1 (61 sts)
9th Row: (Rib 7, k 3 tog) 6 times, p 1. (49 sts)
11th Row: (Rib 5, k3 tog) 6 times, p 1 (37 sts)
13th Row: (Rib 3) k 3 tog 6 times, p 1 (25 sts)
15th Row: (Rib 1, k3 tog) 6 times, p 1 (13 sts)

Next Row: P1 (p2tog) 6 times. (7 sts)

Break yarn off and thread through remaining 7 sts. Draw up and fasten securely.

TO MAKE UP
Join seam, reversing sewing for turnback.

Itch-Free Beanie

For those who find mohair too scratchy, here’s an alternative pattern. Though it’s a little fiddlier and takes a little longer to make, this beanie gets five star reviews from family and friends.

Using 10 Ply wool and 4 mm needles, cast on 109 stitches

1st Row: K1, *p1, k1, pre from * to end.

2nd Row: *P1, k1, rep from * to last stitch, p 1.

From now own, these two rows will be referred to as rib pattern.

Continue in rib pattern for 8 cm (3 inche), ending with a 1st row.
Change to 5 mm needles and work in rib pattern until hat measures 21 cm (8 ¼ inches),
Ending with a 1st row.

Change to 4 mm needles

Mohair Moss Stitch Scarf

This scarf is easy to knit and warm as fur.

Mohair Moss Stitch Scarf
One hank or two balls 12 ply mohair
Needles: 7.50mm
Fringes (if desired) Before starting wind off 72 lengths cut into 20cm lengths
Cast on 27 stitches
First row: *K1, P1, repeat from * to end.
Repeat this row until yarn is finished
Attach fringe.

Rug Squares

Embark on a creative rug journey. Choose your colours to make a rug as large or small as your dreams. When it’s finished, throw it on your bed, or (as our daughter Kath did) donated it to a shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Rug Squares
Using 8 ply wool and 5mm needles cast on 40 sts
Knit till square (or rectangular if preferred)
Cast off
You’ll need 3-4 squares across and about 7 in length to make a basic rug

Shape Crown

1st Row (Rib 15, k 3 tog) 6 times, p 1 (97 sts)

Next Row: P1 (p2tog) 6 times. (7 sts)

Break yarn off and thread through remaining 7 sts. Draw up and fasten securely.

TO MAKE UP
Join seam, reversing sewing for turnback.