Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 Pattern Recap

A year in review


What a crazy year it has been. Throughout 2018 I continued to add more knitting patterns to the blog. It was a scary process learning and introducing something new. I have also continued to add crochet Patterns. You have been a great support and encouragement. I can't tell you how exciting it is to get on the front page of Ravelry when I put up a new pattern. Us designers really appreciate all those likes and comments. It really helps us know we are doing something right.

I love designing. This coming year my goals are simple. I want to continue growing in my pattern writing skills. Even though I'm good at designing, the actual pattern writing is hard. I want to have great quality patterns for you. I plan to continue cultivating relationships with the people who have been helping me with copy editing and testing. This year I created 23 patterns. Which is a crazy amount when I think about the fact that I moved 1,000 miles back to the United States in September.

One other goal is to better define my brand with the crochet patterns. I feel that I have my brand and style for knitting, but I'm a little all over the place with crochet. It's hard to just pick one area to focus on. So for 2019 you might be seeing a lot more Tunisian Crochet patterns from me. I feel this is an area that I truly love and that I will be excited to teach and expand.

This next year I don't see myself creating that many patterns. Like I said, I really want to focus on the quality this year.  It is also the last year that Sweet Pea will be home with me before she heads to school, so want to focus on having that quality time with her. With that being said I already have the next 4 patterns lined up for 2019. 2 triangle scarves and 2 stitch tutorials. They are a knit and a Tunisian crochet version of the same pattern.

Stay Connected!

If you like this pattern be sure to subscribe to Designs by Diligence to get notified when new patterns come out. The only time you will get an email is when a new post happens on the blog, usually on Tuesday.

You can also follow me through my social media sites. I love sharing sneak peeks, wips, and fiber arts news and projects.
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Knitting Patterns from 2018




Diamond Dimensions Neck Warmer



Creating my own Sunshine



Come This way Purse



Waterways Cowl




Moondoggie Bag



Wellsley Hat



Wellsley Cowl



Diamond dimensions ear warmer and Hat




Slalom Hat

Crochet




Modern Chrysanthemum Throw



Double brimmed Hat




Tisket a Tasket Dishcloth



A Tisket a Tasket Basket



Functional Elegance Cowl



Painted Butterflies




Puddles of Love Blanket




Puddles of Love Hat



Summer Festival Clutch



Vintage Nursery Blanket



Lateral Braid Dishcloth



Becca Sweater



Rebecca Sweater

Monday, December 10, 2018

Slalom Hat

A Free Knitting Pattern


My Last Pattern of 2018. What a great year it's been. I plan on getting an end of the year post together that will highlight all the patterns added this year to the blog. There will also be a giveaway attached to that post through my Facebook page so keep an eye out for it!

I have been working on this pattern; The Slalom Hat for awhile; August to be exact. This is the project that I would take with me to the school pick-up line and work on while I waited. I think I also remade it a few times. First I used a bulkier yarn, and with circular needles, then I tried it again with this yarn and circular needles and I still was not happy. I finally decided to go with working it flat and then seaming it. The numbers just wouldn't any other way.

There is always a big debate on using circular needles or straight or double points. I personally love using the circular needles, but I know there are others out there that are just as passionate about their straight needles. If that is you, then this pattern is for you.

I love the classic lines created in this hat, I even had first named this hat the Classy Hat, but when I was all done, I couldn't help by be reminded of little skiers running a slalom course down my hat.

Also this yarn, Baby Alpaca by Lion brand is so wonderfully soft and comfortable. It comes in at a great price of $5.00. That's a pretty great deal. A whole hat for $5.00, that is made out of 100% wool.  I will warn you, you will feel like you are playing yarn chicken with the skein, but I made it twice and had enough to finish the hat.

Where can I get this Pattern?


This is a free knitting pattern found right here on Designs by Diligence. Just keep scrolling down to read the pattern. If you would like to purchase an ads free, printer friendly PDF you can through my Ravelry Pattern Store for $3.00.
<--------->buy now <---------->


Stay Connected!

If you like this pattern be sure to subscribe to Designs by Diligence to get notified when new patterns come out. The only time you will get an email is when a new post happens on the blog, usually on Tuesday.

You can also follow me through my social media sites. I love sharing sneak peeks, wips, and fiber arts news and projects.
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Designer: Julia Schwartz

Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Baby Alpaca 3 light, 100% baby alpaca, 50g/ 1.75oz, 146 yrds/ 133m,  color tan, 1 skein

Needles: 6/ 4.25mm

Notions: yarn needle for weaving in your ends

Gauge: 24 sts x 30 rows = 4 inches Size: 19 inch circumference (stretches to fit an adult head. My head is 23 and it is perfect)

Stitches used: k (Knit), p (purl), RT (Right Twist), LT (Left Twist), k2tog (knit 2 together), k2togb (knit 2 together though the back loop), PM (place marker)
Special Stitches:

  • Right Twist (RT): Knit 2 together keeping both stitches on the left needle, knit into the first stitch, then pull both stitches onto the right needle, stitch complete. 
  • Left Twist (LT): Knit through the back loop of the 2nd st, keep the stitch on the left needle, knit in the first stitch, then pull both stitches onto the right needle, stitch complete. 
Notes: This pattern is worked flat and then seamed together at the end, so you can use straight needles for the whole pattern.

Copyright Julia Schwartz. Do not reproduce, copy, distribute, or sell this pattern without permission of the designer. This pattern must not be translated, reproduced, or circulated in another language without prior consent. If you have questions about this pattern please contact Julia.diligence@gmail.com.



Cast on 110 sts with straight needles leaving an extra long tail.

Row 1: (K2, P3) repeat for all 110 sts, turn
Row 2: (K3, P2) repeat for all 110 sts, turn
Rows 3-10: repeat rows 1 and 2
Row 11 and all odd numbers until stated: p all 110 sts, turn
Row 12: K5, RT, (k 9, RT) Repeat (to) 8 x, k 4 (110 sts), turn
Row 14: K4, RT, (k9, RT) repeat (to) 8x, k5, (110 sts), turn
Row 16: K3, RT, LT, (K7, RT, LT) repeat (to) 8x, k6 (110 sts), turn
Row 18: K3, LT, RT, (K7, LT, RT) repeat (to) 8x, k6 (110 sts), turn
Row 20: K4, LT, (k9, LT) Repeat (to) 8x, k5, (110), turn
Row 22: K5, LT, (k9, LT) Repeat (to) 8x, k 4 (110), turn
Row 24: (K9, LT) Repeat (to) 8x, k11 (110), turn
Row 26: K10, LT, (K9, LT), Repeat (to) 7x, k10 (110), turn
Row 28: K9, RT, LT, (K7, RT, LT) repeat (to) 7x, k9 (110 sts), turn
Row 30: K9, LT, RT, (K7, LT, RT) repeat (to) 7x, k9 (110 sts), turn
Row 32: K10, RT, (K9, RT), Repeat (to) 7x, k10 (110), turn
Row 34: (K9, RT) Repeat (to) 8x, k11 (110), turn

Rows 35- 58 repeat rows 11- 34

Crown Decrease

Row 1 and all odd number rows: p all sts, turn
Row 2: K4, k2tog, (k 9, k2tog) repeat (to) 8 x, k4 (110sts), turn
Row 4: K4, k2tog, (k 8, k2tog) repeat (to) 8 x, k4, (100 sts), turn
Row 6: K3, k2tog, (k7, k2tog) repeat (to) 8 x, k4, (90 sts), turn
Row 8: K3, k2tog tbl, (k6, k2tog tbl) repeat (to) 8 x, k3, (80 sts), turn
Row 10: K3, k2tog tbl, (k5, k2tog tbl) repeat (to) 8x, k2, (70 sts), turn
Row 12: K3, k2tog tbl, (K4, k2tog tbl) repeat (to) 8 x, k1 (60 sts), turn
Row 14: K3, K2tog tbl, (k3, k2tog tbl) repeat (to) 8 x, (50sts), turn
Row 16: (K2tog) Repeat 20 x, (20 sts), turn
Row 18: (k2tog) repeat 10 times, turn
Row 19: p10

Cast off by clipping a long tail and sewing it through the stitches left on the needles with a yarn needle. Pull all the stitches tight and secure your end.

Seam the hat up with the long tail from your cast on using the mattress stitch.

Weave in your ends.

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