KNITTED PREEMIE CAP

The Knitted Preemie Cap from Project Sunshine's Project Knit is easy, quick (it only takes an hour!) and oh so cute . . . Happy Knitting!

YARN Valley Yarns Longmeadow 60% cotton/40% microfiber 117 yards
NEEDLES (circular needle method) US 4 and US 5 12" circular needles
GUAGE 6 stitches equals 1 inch using US 5 needles in stockinette
FINISHED SIZE 8" circumference 4" tall

Using size US 4 circular needles, cast on 48 stitches. Knit one row. Then, place marker and knit in the round. Knit 5 rows. Change to US 5 circular needles and continue until hat (unrolled) measures 3” inches.

Begin decrease . . .
ROW 1 *K6, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 42 sts remain
KNIT ALL EVEN ROWS
ROW 3 *K5, k2tog. Re from * 5 times, 36 sts remain
CHANGE TO DPN
ROW 5 *K4, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 30 sts remain
ROW 7 *K3, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 24 sts remain
ROW 9 *K2, k2tog. Rep from * 5 imes, 18 sts remain
ROW 11 *K1, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 12 sts remain
ROW 13 *K2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 6 sts remain

Begin i-cord . . . Knit 5 rows, pushing stitches to other side of needle after each row.

Break yarn and leaving about 8–10 inches for sewing, thread through remaining stitches. Pull to close i-cord and sew back seam. Weave in ends. Done!

PATTERN USE All patterns on In the Loop blog for charitable crafting only. Knitting or crocheting any item for resale is prohibited.

NOTE We recommend the circular needle method, but if dpn's are your preferred method, you can download the complete pattern from the Project Sunshine website. We will provide color copies of this and other project patterns at all Socials events.

AUTHOR NOTE Gauge is not so important, as preemie heads come in many sizes. However, if you knit very tight, it's better to knit with the next needle size up. The roll brim is good because it is adjustable. If you are worried about the roll moving too much (or not rolling at all), tack it into place in the back with a simple whip stitch when weaving in your cast-on end (Anne-Marie Brule).

GLOSSARY dpn=double pointed needles K=knit P=purl k2tog=knit two together rep=repeat sts=stitches RS=right side WS=wrong side

SOCIAL EVENTS OF THE SEASON!

Grab your needles and hooks, get out of the office and join us for our first BROWN BAG SOCIAL on Friday, October 19 in the Winter Garden.

Ina Braun, knitwear designer and teacher, will be on hand at all Brown Bag Socials to help you start—and finish—your hat project.

SOCIALS SCHEDULE FALL 07

Brown Bag Socials
12-2pm Winter Garden
FRIDAY 19 OCT 07
FRIDAY 9 NOV 07
FRIDAY 7 DEC 07

After Work Socials
5-8pm Winter Garden
TUES 30 OCT 07
WED 14 NOV 07
WED 28 NOV 07

IN THE LOOP IS HERE!

Welcome all crafters! After the success of The Big Draw events in September, arts>World Financial Center has created a forum for enthusiastic crafters to knit and crochet for charities. In our first season, October-December, we will collaborate with two organizations to contribute knitted and crocheted HATS, HATS AND MORE HATS to those in need within our own neighborhood.

Project Sunshine is an international organization that provides free social, educational and recreational programs to children and families living with medical challenges. Their PROJECT KNIT program creates opportunities for knitting/crocheting groups to connect with children in local hospitals. In the Loopers will create caps for babies born prematurely in neighborhood hospitals.

CHRISTMAS-AT-SEA of the Seamen’s Church Institute brings hospitality and love to deep-sea and river mariners with Christmas gifts of handmade scarves, caps, vests, helmets or socks. These items are knitted or crocheted by more than 3,500 volunteers across the country. Each year, more than 16,000 gifts are distributed. Joining this national effort, In the Loopers will knit and crochet warm hats for local seafarers.

All finished garments/gifts will be collected by arts>World Financial Center staff and distributed to each charity. Stay tuned for complete project descriptions, including patterns, dropoff deadlines, and finishing instructions.