SUPER CHUNKY FOXY HAT PATTERN

Hello, its been a long time since my last post where I was lucky enough to be reviewing the Tiny Owl Knits book. I've been even luckier since then and have been working on my own book, Faux Taxidermy Knits, which will be released *fingers crossed* in October. 

I've been hard at work making lots of creatures for you to knit, including tigers, badgers and hedgehogs. I've also moved from North London to the wonderful Brixton, I'm looking forward to trying every restaurant and coffee shop in the market, and adventuring out to find my nearest yarn store and maybe a knit and natter!

I want to get back into the swing of blogging by offering a free foxy pattern! I've got some exciting new projects underway so keep watching this space. 

FOXY HAT PATTERN

This hat is a lovely quick knit project, perfect for the beginner knitter, or an expert with a spare night on their hands! Made in the perfect super chunky fox coloured yarn and knitted on 9mm needles its a project that'll make your winter a little more wild! 

To celebrate this pattern I'm having a clear out of my stash so I have a few balls and knitting needles on sale, so making this hat couldn't be easier, just click on the links or visit:

Sincerely Louise Etsy Shop

You will need:

YARN

Cygnet Seriously Chunky 
100% Acrylic | 48 meters / 52 yards per 100g
A Burnt Orange x 2 balls
B Cream x 1 ball  
9 mm Straight Needles 
Sewing up needle (I'll send one free with every etsy order) 

SIZE - Adult - one size fits all          TENSION - 8 sts and 11 rows to 10cm over St st on 9mm needles

ABBREVIATIONS: 

K - Knit
K2tog - Knit 2 stitches together 
K3tog - Knit 3 stitches together 
P - Purl
SKP - Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass slipped stitch over
St st - Stocking Stitch/Stockinette: Knit a row, Purl a row

If making this hat in another yarn please ensure you knit a tension 10 x 10 cm square in stocking stitch first. It has been tested in the Cygnet and is perfect, but sizing may vary if using another yarn without making the square. 

PATTERN:

The Hat
Using the long tail cast on method cast on 44 stitches in A, this will make up the first row.
Row 2 *P2, K2* all stitches
Row 3 - 18 Repeat row 2 
Row 19 - 30 Work in St st 
Row 31 *K2tog, K1* 14 times, to the last 2 stitches, K2 (30 sts)
Row 32 P
Row 33 *K2tog* all stitches (15 sts)
Row 34 P
Row 35 *K2tog* 7 times, K1 (8 sts)
Row 36 Cut the yarn and thread through the 8 stitches. Pull and weave in the end. Sew your hat up using a mattress stitch. 

The Ears - Back

Make 2
Using the long tail cast on method cast on 9 stitches in A, this will make up the first row.
Row 2 P
Row 3 K
Row 4 P
Row 5 K
Row 6 P
Row 7 K
Row 8 P
Row 9 SKP, K5, K2tog (7 sts)
Row 10 P
Row 11 SKP, K3, K2tog (5 sts)
Row 12 P
Row 13 SKP, K1, K2tog (3 sts)
Row 14 P 
Row 15 K3tog and bind off

The Ears - Front

Make 2
Using the long tail cast on method cast on 9 stitches in A, this will make up the first row.
Row 2 P
Row 3 K4a, K1b, K4a
Row 4 P3a, P3b, P3a
Row 5 K2a, K5b, K2a
Row 6 P2a, P5b, P2a
Row 7 K2a, K5b, K2a
Row 8 P2a, P5b, P2a
Row 9 SKP in a in a, K1a, K3b, K1a, K2tog in a (7 sts)
Row 10 P2a, P3b, P2a
Row 11 SKP in a, K1a, K1b, K1a, K2tog in a (5 sts)
Row 12 P2a, P1b, P2a
Row 13 SKP in a, K1a, K2tog in a (3 sts)
Row 14 P all stitches in a
Row 15 K3tog and bind off

SEWING UP:

Weave in all loose ends. Take a front and back ear piece and place together with the wrong side facing in. Pin and then sew up using a mattress stitch in a coloured yarn. Repeat this for the second ear.

Lay the hat down flat with the sewn up seam in the centre back. Place the ears 21cm from the cast on edge on either side of the hat, along the rounded decrease. Neatly sew into place using the a coloured yarn. Weave in the ends, roll up the brim and your hat is all ready to wear! 

© Copyright Louise Walker, 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder. This pattern is not to be used for commercial purposes.

Crafty Blog Tour: Stephanie Dosen's Woodland Knits

Woodland Knits, a Tiny Owl Knits Collection by Stephanie Dosen, was an absolute treat to receive in the post from my friends at Crafty Magazine as part of their book tour surrounding its release. And what could be better than reviewing it whilst on holiday surrounded by beautiful woodlands. 

When I first saw Stephanie Dosen's work I was beginning to realise knitting could be much more than just scarves and hats. I was intrigued by artists such as Shauna Richardson but found Tiny Owl Knits was much more accessible. And with the release of this book, with over 20 of her patterns, some favourites and some brand new, Stephanie's work is sure to be admired by all.

The book features a range of patterns primarily for adults but also includes children's sizes, such as the 'Deer With Little Antlers Hat' (the cover shot) and the fairy wings which fit all ages. Also with some felting projects, crochet and a little embroidery it has a challenge for everyone. 

My personal favourites are those with motifs on, with the 'Oh My Bear' being the one I'll knit first. Others such as the 'Meow Mitts' and 'Fawn Poncho' are also super cute. 

I felt perhaps the book is aimed at a slightly older audience than I, some patterns were also a little too elven for my taste, but overall it is full of inspiring and well made knits. I did feel the yarn choices for each project were gorgeous, with lots of Rowan beauties, as well an a Erika Knight Fur Wool I couldn't keep my eyes off. 

I also really enjoyed all the little descriptions and notes throughout the pages, they're a perfect way of ensuring Stephanie's personality was heard. The illustrated owl experience levels linked in perfectly with this. 

One of the things that really stood out to me was the presentation of the book and how well it represented Tiny Owl Knits as a brand. The patterns all have enchanting boarders around them and I love the darker pages with the lighter motifs. The theme is always present with everything working well together.

Although the presentation was really strong I did find in places that the photography could have been a little better. Perhaps I'm a little biased here, but I would have loved to have seen images as powerful as the cover throughout the book. 

Overall I'd definitely recommend this book to any knitter who's a fan of wildlife or forest whimsy, and especially those who have been following Tiny Owl Knits. Having the patterns in a physical form, such as a book, really suits them and it will fit in well on my book shelf. 

Follow the blog tour next with Lauren Guthrie tomorrow and Kat Goldin on Saturday! You can also see previous reviews from Emma Lamb, Emma Varnam and Crafty.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING: SUMMER

Once again I've found myself to busy to write a simple blog post, I know its a terrible excuse, but since my last I've moved to London and officially launched my little knitting business, selling my pieces with the fabulous Molly-Meg. But lets not get ahead of ourselves!

Firstly I made some variations on my scarves, a red fox, new monkey, panda and a rather fluffy faux mink stole. I love taking custom orders and working out the pattern, especially when using lovely merino yarns.

Next I've been making lots and lots of animal heads, here's a set I made for a special celebrity client, each piece always has their own personality. Generally I'm making quite a few each month, and I really enjoy spending my time making them.

I was really lucky to actually sell some of my heads to the editor of Tatler, and have been told they're hanging in her office at Condé Nast. With this she also featured Mr. Fox on the Notes to Self page of this months Tatler, which I'm absolutely chuffed about!

Finally I've started working on a new project, mini fox head knitting kits, which will be available once my pattern's been finalised and I've had them tested! I will be on the hunt for UK knitters, so watch this space! 

I'd better get back to working on my fox pattern,

Sincerely,

Louise

xox

BODEN PRESS DAY

If you're wondering why I've been so quiet the last month its not because my wrists have finally given in and I'm awaiting surgery to become Edward knitting needle hands, its that they've been very busy on a commission for Boden! 

For the Mini Boden fall/winter 2013 press day I was asked to knit six taxidermy style animal heads - a fox, jack russell, rabbit, badger, deer and mole. I was also asked to knit moss stitch squares in the seasons colour palette. The press day was at Somerset House, and the effort made across each room was fabulous as you can see in the photos! The decor and props matched the beautiful clothes - I cant wait for next season. 

The pieces are humorous and quirky, following my style of knitting, I loved making them and using incredible luxury yarns. I wanted them to be quite chunky, using several strands of yarn to create different tones throughout the pieces. 

Here are some photos from the day:

The Mini Boden Room

With the squares I was given a list of the seasons colour palette, and I went out on many missions sourcing the colours. I enjoyed being able to use different types of yarn, especially the more expensive ones! I really enjoyed seeing them all together! 

Me infront of my squares!

I had such a lovely day, meeting new people and seeing my bestie Toni from www.fashionyourseatbelts.net and the fabulous Sarah Kendal! I also met Grace Woodward and Jenni Falconer whose beautiful daughter had the cutest reaction to the knitted deer head! It was so sweet. I also finally met Sprout, Johnnie's jack russell, who the knitted dog is based on. 

Toni, Sarah and I holding up Boden signs!

Jenni Falconer and Ella

Johnnie and Sprout and knitted Sprout!

The beautiful rooms at Somerset House

Foxy and I

It was pretty tough at the end of the day saying good bye to my knitted babies, but they're off to New York, which is really exciting. 

The heads will soon be available to buy at www.molly-meg.co.uk so keep watching this space :) 

Sincerely,

Louise

xox

FEATURES AND CELEBRATIONS

Hello!

Once again I am racing around working working working! But I did have time to sit down and watch myself on tv for my debut on the Alan Titschmarsh Show which you can watch here :) I have screen grabbed a couple of images from the show, it was such a lovely day. 

To celebrate the amazing reaction I have received from the show I will be giving away one of my wigs which is now on sale on my etsy.

For a chance to win simply like my facebook page, like and share this post!

Sincerely,

Louise 

xox

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING: WIG UPDATE

Hello!

 

Yet again its been a while since I've had the chance to update my blog, I have been frantically knitting away, busier than ever! From being featured by the Daily Mail I've had so many opportunities to share my work across the world. I've also got some very exciting things in the pipeline which will be revealed in due time.

 

I wanted to write a little update on my knitted wigs, which I have been working on, they do take so much time so please bear with me as I perfect the patterns. The finger wave inspired piece will be available on my etsy shop soon, and I will be donating a percentage to charity with each purchase of it.

 

Anyway here are some awful photos taken on my iphone of a couple of the pieces, they are currently on loan and once they have returned I will take some better images. I may also be giving one away on my facebook page, so keep watching this space.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Louise

 

xox

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING: ORDERS ORDERS ORDERS

Alongside my Chinese dragon, working part time with my knitter and answering emails and interviews I've been knitting orders. Mainly foxes but I've also made a couple more Studio Ghibli knits which I wanted to share. With the Totoro I was asked to leave the mouth off of him, so he looks super cute, as well as a little rounder. The patterns almost perfect so soon I'll be sharing it! 

My mother also walked past a closing down shop which were selling mannequins, so I've finally got my own to model my scarves. All I need is some time to photograph the foxes, as usually I dash out to post them before I get a chance to. 

I also purchased a new domestic knitting machine, which is ever so exciting. I've never really used a punchcard so my Nan spent a day with me where I learnt the basics. I've finished making my first punchcard and am half way through knitting a scarf with it. So my next post should be all about it, along with the turbans I've been making.

Sincerely,

Louise

xox

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING: CHINESE NEW YEAR

Hello! Its been a little while since my last post, since being featured by the Daily Mail it's been a bit of a whirlwind, with emails, interviews and orders. However at the beginning of January I started planning a dragon for Chinese New Year. Last year I went to an amazing night at the SU which had a beautiful lion and fantastic decoration and when deciding what to make this year a dragon was at the top of my list. 

To make the dragon I used some lovely yarns, such as Sidar's baby bamboo for the red, snowflake chunky for the white, and my favourite Twilleys Goldfingering for the gold. I also used white felt for the teeth and white under the body. Here are a couple of photos of him, one against the black and the other where he is now - hanging over the door frame downstairs. Underneath are some images of my test dragons, the first being the initial head I made and the second testing for the pattern for his body. I do have the pattern for him which I will post soon if people are interested in making one for themselves!

  

Anyway, I have been knitting so much lately, which I will be posting about in the forth coming days. I've had a lot of interest in my wigs, and the patterns. So keep watching this space as there may be one appearing on my blog soon.

Happy New Year!

Louise 

xox

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING: ONE FOX, TWO

I've been knitting so many commissions recently, mainly foxes. I though I'd do a quick update on them. Here are two little guys with the slim face. One in a foxy orange and the other in a beautiful wine red Wendy Mode yarn. 

I've also been working on some hats, a vintage inspired ladies turban and a moss stitch beanie,on my list of things to do is another Totoro and my first commissioned wig. They have been getting a lot of interest from my press and I'm excited to send one to France. 

I also just wanted to say a big thank you to anybody reading from the daily mail link. I never expected such a positive reaction to my wigs, I just love knitting. 

Sincerely,

Louise

xox

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING: MORE WILDLIFE AND GHIBLI

I recently had an order for one of my fox stoles, with the newly designed thinner face. Instead of using Rowan yarn I decided to venture out in the cold and snow to a new wool shop and found this beautiful foxy orange colour by DROPS. You can find it here! I would definitely recommend it as it feels great and is a superwash yarn. 

If you're local to Essex then you need to check out Yarn Therapy, a wonderful little shop in Great Baddow. What I loved about their shop was that you can't buy acrylic in there, and as I move away from using it, its as place I'll be visiting more and more. Also I prefer supporting these kind of shops rather than going to Hobbycraft, even though I practically live next to it.

I also sold my first soot sprite, which I made in a evening. I'm happier with the eyes on this one as I felt (craft pun) they were a little far apart on the first. All I can do is learn as I go along, and I do really like making these little things. 

Sincerely,

Louise

xox