Late Fall Season Travel to New Hampshire

After taking a very quick, and busy, trip to New Hampshire the end of summer for a wedding, I got a chance to return for a more relaxing visit. It was late Fall and foliage season was winding down, but still pretty. The oaks were very orange, with some lingering reds and yellows.

My daughter was determined to keep me busy. Getting outdoors was all I wanted and the weather was absolutely wonderful. We took a couple of hikes and walks and visited some fun places. I bundled up in my wool sweaters, hats and scarves, which I otherwise never get to wear!

On this page I share just a few reasons I love this area of New England.

Taking a Hike on a Favorite Mountain

Mount Monadnock is the famous mountain in this area, but we opted for something much easier to climb. Pitcher Mountain in Stoddard has always been a favorite. I lived in the area for eleven years. It is an easy, short hike that has stunning mountain views all around. We used to go there to pick blueberries in summer.

hiking the mountain in late fall
Hiking through the woods to the top of Pitcher Mountain in Stoddard, NH
Fall field, mountains and sky view in NH
Mom and daughter taking in the Mountain View
View on the way up, wearing my hats
Ascending to the top of Pitcher Mountain
Summit & fire tower in view

My son got some good photos of me and my daughter. This one shows off two of my hand-knitted hats; the Maine Cables Hat and Triple-patterned Watchcap.

Open Studio Art Show

One beautiful afternoon my daughter drove us out to an art studio. The place was way out some backroads with a tiny parking area on grass. Local artist Rosemary Conroy had her paintings and sculptures on display for a once-a-year open studio art show in Weare, NH.

whale sculpture hanging from the ceiling at an open studio art show by Rosemary Conway.
Whale sculpture by Rosemary Conroy

Having Lunch at Pickity Place!

Located in southern New Hampshire, Pickity Place is a 1786 cottage turned restaurant. With an expanse of gardens all over the grounds, they grow food and herbs that will become a fresh part of your five-course meal.

This location boasts the fact that the structure inspired Elizabeth Orton Jones when she illustrated Little Red Riding Hood in 1948.

My daughter and I had a lovely and delicious meal, on a beautiful day. Located in Mason, NH it was a short car ride for us to this rural location. Reservations are recommended and I was very surprised we could even get in! We were seated at a beautiful table for two in the corner of the sunroom.

Pickity Place
Gift Shop
Vegetable lasagna entree at Pickity Place
Veggie Lasagna
Fairy garden at Pickity Place
Fairy Garden
Dining room entrance at Pickity Place
Apple pie dessert on menu at Pickity Place
Apple pie

The red building (dining area) above contains a partial tree that is now a book sharing library. I was hoping it was there, but sadly it was not. When searching for the reason the tree is gone I found this article with photos of the (over 200 year old) tree and the reason it was removed. I like the fact that they kept part of it in memory.

A Trip to Harrisville Designs, Of Course!

Harrisville is not far from where I stayed. When my daughter asked me what I wanted to do during my visit, Harrisville Designs was near the top of my list. I knew I couldn’t buy yarn because my suitcase was quite full, but I did end up with a new little notions bag and some stitch markers.

Harrisville, NH with brick buildings
Exterior view of the Harrisville General Store with a brick facade, featuring a porch and sign. The surrounding landscape includes trees and a clear blue sky.
Harrisville, New Hampshire white houses in a row

I did not get a photo of Harrisville Designs, but did get some pictures a few years ago during my visit. This time I got photos of the surroundings with it’s brick buildings and quaint houses.

Leaving Home

When the time came to head back to Florida, I didn’t want to leave my home. This is where I belong, not hot and muggy Florida. I had filled up on fresh, crisp air and memories made with my kids and their special people. It had to do for now.

More on this blog…

Finish Knitting the Maine Cables Hat – Part 4

Here we are on the last steps of knitting the Maine Cables Hat. Your cables should be done and now we are decreasing and finishing the top.

If you have been knitting along with me, and creating the Maine Cables Hat, this is the last in the series. In Part 4 we will decrease and finish knitting the project.

After we knit all the normal rounds for making the cables (see part 3, or go back to the beginning if you are new here.), we come to the crown decreases. This can be the trickiest part of knitting a hat. The reason for this is that at some point our stitches will be too few to fit on the 16″ circular needle. We will have to switch to double-pointed needles (DPNs). (If you know how to use Magic Loop, and prefer it, feel free, but I don’t cover it here.)

I always try to keep my 16″ needle for as long as I can. But, once the stitches become too far spaced, we have to get the stitches onto those four DPNs.

Switching Over to DPNs

The crown decreases in the Maine Cables Hat begin in Round 9. We just finished knitting Rounds 1-8, five times.

Each round in 9-22 will be a little different, so follow the pattern. The last cable row will be Round 12. The others will require some k2tog and p2tog stitches.

purl two together
Purl two together – go through both purl stitches

When the time comes, divide the stitches up between four DPNs in the size that matches your original knitting needle. My needle is size 8, so my DPNs are size 8. DPNs come in sets of five needles. Four will hold stitches and one is used to knit with. (You can also do 3 needles for stitches.)

Removable stitch marker for rounds using double-pointed needles.
Use a removable stitch marker for the BOR when the double-pointed needles are used.

I like to make the switch to double-pointed needs at the beginning of an easy row. I am choosing Round 18 because I will be down to 55 stitches total (Small size hat). This round is made up of only knits and purls which makes the dividing easy. There are no decreases in this row.

Leave all the stitch markers as they were, except to switch out the BOR marker. Remove the original marker and place a removable stitch marker which is not on the needle but on the fabric. This way it will not be in the way on the needles, but will remind you of the row beginning.

Close-up of a person's hand holding yellow knitted fabric with wooden knitting needles, showing progress on a project, with a printed pattern in the background.
Changing to DPNs fro the crown of the Maine Cables Hat

For the Small size hat – 55 total stitches = 3 DPNs holding 14 stitches, and 1 DPN holding 13 stitches. You really don’t need to be exact. I try not to drop a stitch marker, but it is pretty easy to count the in-between stitches at this point.

For the large size hat – 60 stitches total = 4 DPNs each holding 15 stitches.

Continue to the End

The stitches on the 4 DPNs do not have to remain the same. As the decreases are made, switch to 3 DPNs, but keep the stitch markers until the last row (or next to last row). Remove them as you finish up with the k2tog stitches.

Removable stitch marker for rounds using double-pointed needles.
Removable stitch marker
Last stitches on three needles at the crown
Last stitches left – pull tail thru to finish

At Round 22 there will be either 11 or 12 stitches left on your DPNs. Now it is time to cut a long tail on your yarn, and get your embroidery needle.

Use the embroidery needle to go through all stitches twice – I like to do twice, but you don’t have to. Go around to the left, leaving the knitting needles in place, just as you would be knitting, and include all stitches. Pull them pretty tight, and then go through them again – while removing the needles, and pull to close up the top.

Stick the needle down through the top to the inside of the hat. This is where you will weave in that end. (Weaving in quick video here.)

Weave In The Loose Ends

All that is left to do is weave in the remaining loose ends.

Turn the hat inside out and weave in the yarn that is already on the needle. If you added new yarn, weave in that tail. Then, weave in the end that is hanging where we first cast on our stitches. *Remember how the brim will fold (or not fold) and weave in on the wrong side so the weave will not show.

Congratulations – Go Try On Your New Hat!

You are finished knitting the Maine Cable Hat! Congratulations on your new winter accessory that I’m sure is extraordinarily beautiful.

Now for the wash in Eucalan (paid link), which is a no-rinse wool wash. Only use it if you used wool yarn to knit your hat!

Washing my hat in wool wash

Add your photos to Ravelry, if you are on there, and add pictures to your social media accounts – if you like to do that. Please leave a comment on this blog and let me know how it went. I’d sincerely like to know! I’m guessing that other knitters would also like to know.

Did you find this pattern easy to follow? Did my notes help you? Are you happy with the size you chose? Will you make another hat like this one, or branch out and try another cable hat?

Bright yellow knitted beanie hat with a cable pattern, displayed on a textured white surface.
Maine Cables Hat finished
Leftover mohair and merino wool
Yarn leftover from knitting the Maine Cables Hat

Knitting My Hat – Review

I like how my hat came out, even though I messed up on the crown. Round 15 has a p2tog, which I completely missed! I added my p2tog’s on Round 18. Oh well, it happens.

I’m glad I knit the small size, but remember I also used a larger (size 8US) needle. The hat is nice and tall, so the brim can fold way up over the cable area.

I had plenty of yarn leftover from my one ball of mohair and two balls of heavy merino. It took me 9 days to finish the hat, and I was away camping for 3 of those days (not knitting). I could probably have finished it in about 3 or 4 days easily.

Hand knits take forever to dry in my house because of the extreme humidity, even with the AC going 24 hours a day, but finally it’s ready to pack for my trip north.

And here I am wearing my new hat while hiking in NH with my daughter. She is wearing the Triple Pattern Watchcap (this one is brown and red) which I knit a few years ago.

wearing the Maine Cables Hat in umami yellow wool yarn - Knitting for Olive merino and mohair.
Maine Cables Hat
two hats, Maine Cable Hat and Triple Pattern Watchcap
Views and hand knits

This is what I love about knitting. I choose the yarn, the color, and the style. Within a few days, I have a new, warm and cozy, and completely unique, hat!

Stories about yarn and my knitting hobby.

5 Free Textured Knit Scarf Patterns

Welcome the winter season with a new scarf, knit by you! These five free patterns have excellent directions and tutorials to get you started.

As I was knitting a recent post about beginner brioche knitting, I came across some pretty textured scarves to knit. All five scarves listed are FREE patterns and all are from Purl Soho.

If you are unfamiliar with Purl Soho, they are an online yarn company, but offer much more than yarn. To learn all about this company read their about page. I have purchased some of their wool yarn in the past.

Purl Soho yarn skeins
Good Wool and Hedgerow from Purl Soho

All patterns listed on this page are linked to either Ravelry or Purl Soho. (I am not affiliated with Purl Soho). At Ravelry there will be a link to get to the pattern page where you can also see which yarn types are suggested for each project. Purl Soho wants you to buy their yarn to knit these patterns, and honestly they often have some pretty nice sales. Free US shipping begins at $95.00.

Do You Have it In You to Knit a Scarf?

Personally, I began knitting by making scarves. Some of them were crazy looking, and some were soothing repeats that kept me happy while sitting in front of the television. A scarf can be a great project for anyone, but it is really perfect for those who are just starting out.

You will need to commit to finishing something that needs to be long enough to wrap around the neck and hang down. In general, a scarf will take at least three, to four skeins of yarn. This will depend on the yarn chosen, the yardage, and the scarf width and length. This will get you ready for other long projects, like finishing the body and sleeves on a sweater. Knitting can take time, but the end result is so worth it!

Would you rather knit a smaller scarf called a shawlette? This link will take you to my other post about knitting the smaller wraps that tie around the neck.

Long scarves for winter are easy projects because we usually have control over width and length. We can make changes to the pattern and it will still “fit”. On the downside, they can be monotonous, as the same stitches are knit over and over. On the other hand, they make great projects for travel knitting!

Scarves also make great gifts, which are unique and special!

Five Scarves With Textured Patterns

Some of the patterns listed here are easier than others. I knit up little swatches (see my gallery of photos below) using the patterns below. I didn’t finish (or like) the Rick Rack Scarf, and never got around to doing the Herringbone.

  • Brioche Scarf in Worsted Twist – Purl Soho, FREE pattern. Check out my post about knitting simple, flat brioche. This scarf should be easy to accomplish in a squishy rib. Also, no purling – all knits and slips. *Honestly I love this pattern. I kept knitting on this scarf even though it was just a sample!
  • Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf – Purl Soho, FREE pattern. Super bulky, size 11 needle. Most knitters rate this as very easy. It will be a quick knit using thick yarn on big needles.
  • Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf – Purl Soho, FREE pattern. Knit with two different colors of light worsted / DK weight yarn. The knitting is made up of knits and purls but the pattern calls for either turning, or sliding, the work. *Use a circular needle for this in order to slide your work.
  • Rick Rack Scarf – Purl Soho, FREE pattern. Bulky yarn, using size 8 needles. *I’ll be honest here, I tried to knit a swatch and did not like this stitch pattern. It ends up very pretty, but I suggest you check out the finished projects and do a trial run of the repeat before committing to this scarf. Purl Soho has a video tutorial to follow.
  • Men’s Mini Herringbone Scarf – Purl Soho, FREE pattern (unisex, not only for men). Aran weight yarn, 10US needle.

I knit up a three little swatches of the scarves listed above. I did not cast on the correct amount of stitches, but used fewer to simply complete the look. I suggest you determine how wide you’d like your scarf to be.

Left to right: Brioche Scarf pattern I love! Easy to complete and beautiful fabric. Mistake Stitch – super easy. Same stitches are knit for every row, but makes a nice flattened ribbing in bulky yarn. Two-tone Mistake Rib is a 4-row repeat combining colors. Pretty easy also, but keep track of rows.

Close-up of an orange brioche scarf being knitted with a knitting needle, resting on a textured white surface.
My sample, cast on 24
Close-up of a partially knitted dark gray yarn project on knitting needles, resting on a textured white surface.
Easy Mistake Stitch scarf – cast on 19
Swatch of the two-tone mistake rib scarf pattern

Also, the yarns I used came from my stash, so they are really not what I would choose if I was really knitting these scarves. Each link above will take you to better images of the finished items.

Yarn Ideas For Scarves

Personally I like wool for a scarf, but any type of yarn can be used for scarf knitting. If this scarf is purely practice, or you make it in a child size, using an affordable, washable yarn is fine.

Remember that solid color yarns will show off a texture better. The two-tone mistake rib scarf might be pretty with alternating solid and multicolor yarns.

Don’t be afraid to spend money on nice yarn to create your keepsake scarf. My most favorite knitwear items are made from the best yarn. Each Purl Soho scarf pattern suggests a Purl Soho yarn to use, so you could use their suggestions.

Figuring the Scarf Width

Remember when you choose a favorite scarf pattern that the width is easy to change. I find that most of Purl Soho’s scarves seem very wide. They are trying to sell yarn, so making a wide scarf means more yarn is needed. If you prefer a more narrow scarf, follow the directions for casting on fewer stitches (example: even / odd number of stitches).

As an example: The Brioche Scarf cast on in the pattern is 40 stitches for the smaller size and 60 for large. My sample uses only 24. (This would be perfect for a child by the way.) If I were to knit this for myself, I might choose to cast on 40, but that would be plenty wide. *The orange yarn is from Hedgehog Fibers and is a fantastic, soft and squishy merino wool. I used it to knit a hat for my daughter and this was leftover. This yarn is very special, and if you can afford it, I highly recommend it. The colors are so unique and lovely too.

Which Scarf Pattern Did You Choose?

I don’t live in a place where scarves are worn. I used to have many, but we simply don’t need them in Florida. I love the look and feel of a warm and cozy scarf worn in winter. I’m thinking of knitting one even though I won’t be able to wear it!

I’d love to hear all about your favorite scarf pattern, whether one of these or something else.

Keep Reading!

Knitting the Cables on the Maine Cables Hat – Part 3

Part three of the knitting pattern Maine Cables Hat is all about making the cables. I can suggest an excellent cable needle that will make the knitting easier.

Now we are moving onto the third part of our cable hat project. The Maine Cables Hat is made up of cables all over the crown. We have finished the cast on and ribbing. We have finished the set up rows also (see Part 2 here), and are ready to knit the cables.

A cable is made by twisting stitches to the left or right. They will twist according to where those cable needle stitches are held – to the front, or back. This is the purpose of using an extra needle, or cable needle, some of the stitches will be slipped and ignored until we knit from the normal row of stitches. The stitches we slipped onto the cable needle will be knit after.

Our Maine Cables Hat pattern lists the cable section as Rounds 1-8. We have to repeat all those rounds five times. Mainly we are knitting and doing a couple of purls on most of the rounds. But, rounds 4 and 8 are where we make the cables.

Making the 3/3LC Cables in Round 4

In the Maine Cables pattern we first make a 3/3LC in round four of the top of the hat. This stitch is explained in the Abbreviations & Techniques section of the pattern. But, I will go over it here.

For the 3/ 3 LC: Three stitches are slipped purl-wise onto the cable needle and are held in front of our work (#1 photo below). The next 3 stitches are knit while we ignore the cable needle (#2 photo below). Next, the three stitches on the cable needle are knit (#3 photo below). This twists the stitches to the left – LC = left-leaning cable.

knitting a cable holding three stitches to the front
Making a cable stitch by knitting behind the cable.
Finish knitting the cable stitch by knitting off the cable needle.

Making the 3/3RC Cables in Round 8

The other cable stitch is 3/3RC meaning “right leaning cable”. It also uses three stitches on the cable needle but they will be held to the back of the work.

Below I am knitting the 3/3RC cable row. The 3 stitches on my little cable needle are held behind the normal knitting. Then, I knit the next three stitches, ignoring the cable needle. Last, I knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle. The RC makes a right-leaning cable. *Very Pink Knits has a quick video about knitting this exact 3/3RC cable. (I think she is using the Brittany cable needle – see below.)

Knitting the right leaning cable on Maine Cables hat
Close-up of a hand holding knitting needles with yellow yarn, focusing on the stitches being worked.

Get a Good Cable Needle

If cable knitting seems daunting, remember that many rows are simply knits and purls, while the cable rows only show up twice in eight rounds (for this pattern). You can do it!

Making a cable stitch is not difficult but it can be a little wonky feeling. Here is what I have found will help the most. Use a wooden needle so the held stitches won’t slip! This is so important for keeping your sanity.

I used to use some old, metal cable stitch holders that were my grandmothers, but the stitches would slip off and really annoy me. The old needle was also long and would get in my way. I’ve tried many styles of cable needles and hated them all – with stitches slipping off completely, or slipping when trying to knit back onto the normal needle.

When I heard about the Brittany brand, wood cable needles, I got some. It was love. I’m no longer afraid of cables making me crazy.

Buy Brittany cable needles image with text

A cable needle does not need to be the same size as your knitting needle, just close. Too thin and the stitches will easily slide off. Too tight and it will be hard to knit them. The wooden needles by Brittany come in three sizes which can be used for many knitting needle sizes.

Here Come the Cables!

After finished the first round of of the hat crown – rows 1-8 – This is what we have (photo below). As we work the remaining rows the cables will grow.

I’m on my last set of rounds for the cables (photo below right).

How each of the cable rows make the stitches lean right and left.
Maine Cables hat part 3 - knitting the cables

I will be writing the last blog post (Part 4) about knitting the Maine Cables Hat next. We will cover the decreases at the crown, weaving in the ends, and trying our new hat on!

Keep knitting friends! I’d love to hear how it’s going.

knitting needles image - divider

Extra Info

Examples of What We Can Do With Cables

This hat pattern (Maine Cables Hat – get the FREE pattern here) has very simple cables. But they will make this hat look so nice. Cables can do that. And cables can create some very fun designs on all kinds of projects.

I have a cabled cardigan in my knitting queue – the Bookclub Cardigan, by Sari Nordlund. I know it will take all my concentration and dedication to finish, so I need to wait until the right time – but it is so beautiful, and I want a cabled sweater.

Many years ago I found the Norrland hat pattern. At the time, I’m sure it was too difficult for me. This unique pattern is knit in two colors, with cables and colorwork combined. The hat looks like branching trees going up to the crown! It is really stunning, and I think I should knit it soon!

The Skiff Hat by Jared Flood is the most intricate cabling I have done. I had to go through the knitting chart and color code everything to keep the cables straight. I’ve knit that hat a couple of times and plan to knit it again one day. It does tend to come out large as I remember.

Cable Hats I Have Knit

Here are some other cabled hats I’ve finished. Both Habitat and Skiff, by Jared Flood, have intricate, entwined cables. If you want to knit a hat like this, see my notes at the hat links below. It’s one row at a time, and before you know it, you have a beautiful new hat that will amaze everyone!

Skiff hand knit beanie with cables
Skiff beanie in gray
Skiff Hat with cables
Skiff in blue
Cabled beanie in bright orange Habitat pattern
Habitat Hat
divider sweaters on lion, koala, and tiger

Keep reading more knitting stories…