Mosaic May - Wrap-Up!

Hello Everyone!

My Finished Hat

Crown

My Colors

In wrapping up Mosaic May, the projects for this month were not only interesting and creative, but set the stage for more mosaic knitting in my future! I will be talking about my adventures with the Mojo Hat and Tidal Flat Tote. I learned several things in knitting this skill builder hat project, the Mosaic Mojo Hat by Katie Carr Swanson. This pattern is very well written with clear instructions. I used worsted weight yarn in two colors as the pattern calls for - my hat Color A is turquoise and Color B is variegated red, dark blue, and turquoise. Due to past experience in knitting other hats, I made the large size to fit my head because I like my hats a bit more slouchy. I also opted for the size 8 needles per the pattern. The hat is entirely garter stitch, with the use of short rows and colorwork, taking garter stitch to a whole new level. The two-color garter stitch short row pinwheel crown revealed the variegated yarn in such a way that half the hat shows the darker blue and the other half shows red. This hat starts as a true skill builder because we have previously learned how to do a provisional cast-on, short rows, and how to graft. The pinwheel is a traditional crown for this type of hat, and truly enhances the stitch and colorwork. I chose the Mosaic Herringbone pattern for the band, which uses another, learned skill, chart reading. I knitted the rolled stockinette stitch edge with Color A as the primary part and Color B as trim. I really enjoyed knitting this hat, watching the pattern take shape, and the end result. But here’s what I would do differently the next time I knit this hat. I would go down a size in needle size. Garter stitch is very stretchy and the give can easily accommodate size 7 or even size 6 needles. I would also pick another band pattern so it would show up more clearly, especially with two relatively dark colors. I would go further and “manipulate” the variegated yarn so the transition from blue to red would be more noticeable. I am not displeased with my hat as knitted, I love the slouchiness and the colors are very rich. In skill building, however, we learn other ways to create the same piece, be it color contrast and color placement, needle size, and structure. All can be changed without changing the pattern basics. It is all about what works best for you and how you see the color and contrast, and how you would like your hat to fit. Stepping out of the confines of the pattern and adjusting it for your preferences is all part of enhancing your knitting. I have included my Mojo Hat and one of our knitters, Grace, who took our May Hat Class, was kind enough to let me include pictures of her hat so you can see the difference the color contrast and choice of band pattern make. Thank you, Grace, your finished hat is beautiful!

Yes, Grace, you did!

Grace's Finished Hat

I also knitted our kit, Tidal Flats Tote by Moira Engel, where Linda included notes for three tote bottom (and shape) variations. I chose to knit the round shaped tote. The mosaic and stranded patterns in the tote make it striking and the bulky yarn and yarn tape gives the tote textural appeal. The pattern is well written especially the Special Stitches Section. There is a clear chart for the stranded knitting. However, I highly recommend using Linda's additional notes. You will be knitting your tote in one piece instead of the additional sewing called out in the full pattern. One piece is sturdier than two, and there is no matching up sides. Definitely a win in my book. Working the bottom of the tote first, I knitted the round spiral pattern in the knit tape. Did I say the color will remind you of your favorite jeans? The knitting tape is Universal Yarns "fiber natura denims" come in colors with names that are jeans inspired like Indigo Dye, Vintage Wash, and Stonewashed, among others. Once the bottom is completed, a round of purl stitches transitions to the body of the tote. Here's where the mosaic knitting really takes off by using Universal Yarns Deluxe Bulky in Pulp (muted off white) and the denim color knitting tape. The color combination reminds you of your favorite jeans topped off with a crisp white shirt. The chevron mosaic pattern is subtle but quite visible due to the yarns' different textures. Transitioning into the stranded diamond pattern recalls skills learned during Fair Isle February on positioning yarn so the colors are properly aligned to ensure color dominance. The I-Cord Bind Off is perhaps one of the best techniques for a tote and is very easy to do using the pattern instructions. Knitting the I-Cord for the handle is a fun way to finish this intricate looking and deceptively easy tote. The tote incorporates a number of skills you have learned along the way and at the end you've created a fashion piece that is classic and trendy at the same time. Now your next decision will be what to carry in your beautiful tote. Yarn, of course!

Bottom View

My Finished Tote

I hope you enjoyed our Mosaic May and continuing to expand on your knitting skills. June brings knitting for the juvenile set - Juvie June's projects include a Baby Newsboy Hat that can be sized from baby to adult. Fashion isn't just for adults anymore!

Knit On and Keep Your Knitting Mojo Going!  Lisa